As Islamophobia Ramps Up in US Midterms, Texas Muslims Eye Local Stakes
By NGN News English | November 2, 2026
WASHINGTON — As the United States approaches its November 3 midterm elections, Muslim communities in Texas are working to increase their political participation amid growing concerns about anti-Muslim rhetoric, religious freedom and representation in public life.
Mosques in Houston have become voter registration centres, with local Muslim leaders reporting efforts to register approximately 1,000 voters a week. The campaign reflects a broader effort to turn community concerns into political participation and greater influence over public policy.
One major issue driving the mobilisation is a controversial revision to Texas’s social studies curriculum. The Republican-majority State Board of Education approved changes that Muslim advocates say present Islam unfairly. Supporters of the curriculum argue that it places greater emphasis on Western civilisation and the foundations of the United States and Texas.
Other disputes have involved political claims about Sharia law, religious accommodation at airports and investigations involving Muslim organisations and developments. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and other Republican officials have raised concerns about the role of Sharia in American society. Muslim advocates and scholars argue that these claims misrepresent Islamic religious practices and contribute to hostility toward Muslims.
The issue has also become part of the wider national election debate. Reuters reported in September that Republican politicians in several states had increasingly brought Muslims and Islam into campaign discussions. Critics say such rhetoric unfairly targets an entire religious community, while Republican officials have defended their positions by citing concerns about security and the role of religion in public life.
However, Muslim Americans are not a politically uniform voting bloc. Some support Democratic candidates, while others identify with Republicans or remain independent. Their priorities include civil rights, immigration, healthcare, the economy, education and US foreign policy.
A report published by Dawn on October 28 highlighted the growing efforts of Muslim organisations in Texas to register voters, organise advocacy campaigns and engage with candidates. The report also noted that the community’s political influence depends not only on population growth but on voter registration, turnout and participation in local elections.
On November 3, Texas voters will decide several important races, including contests for the US Senate, governor, all 38 seats in the state’s congressional delegation and numerous state and local positions. These elections could influence policies affecting education, civil rights, religious accommodation and the future direction of the state.
For Muslim Texans, the election is therefore about more than national party politics. It is also an opportunity to make local concerns heard, engage with elected officials and participate in decisions that affect their communities.
As Election Day approaches, the growing voter registration effort demonstrates how debates over religious identity and public policy are encouraging some Muslim Americans to become more politically active.
NGN News English
