As Islamophobia ramps up in US midterms, Texas Muslims eye local stakes

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports from Houston that Texas Muslims are approaching the 2026 U.S. midterms amid what community members describe as a sharper climate of Islamophobia, especially in state Republican rhetoric and policy. The article says Muslim voters and organisers see the issue as local as well as national, even though no Muslim is on the statewide ballot in Texas.

The report focuses on efforts by mosques and advocacy groups to boost turnout and register voters, including work by the Islamic Society of Greater Houston and CAIR Action. Muslim residents interviewed by Al Jazeera said the atmosphere has affected families, school life and their sense of safety. Some said they want politicians to stop using Muslims as a political target and to recognise the community as part of Texas civic life.

Al Jazeera says Texas Republican leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott and Senator Ted Cruz, have amplified warnings about “Sharia” and backed measures such as a state GOP platform opposing it, a “Sharia-free Texas” caucus in the legislature, and related congressional efforts. Rights advocates and Muslim residents dispute the premise, noting that no Texas jurisdiction has adopted Islamic law and that some officials are conflating ordinary Muslim participation with a broader threat.

The article also notes tensions inside the state Republican Party, including reported harassment of Muslim delegates and lawsuits involving CAIR Texas and state officials. Overall, the piece suggests the midterms are becoming a test of whether Texas Muslims can convert concern over prejudice into higher voter participation and political influence.