Muslim Candidate Enters Georgia LG Race After Ad Targeting 'Sharia Law'

Incendiary campaign video by Republican candidate draws bipartisan criticism, prompts last-minute entry by Democratic lawmaker

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The race for Georgia's lieutenant governor seat heated up this week as a Republican candidate's controversial campaign video targeting 'sharia law' drew backlash from both sides of the aisle. In response, a Democratic state lawmaker, Nabilah Parkes, made a last-minute entry into the race, vowing to push back against the xenophobic rhetoric.

Why it matters

The ad, which depicted Muslims as 'invaders' who refuse to assimilate, heightened concerns about the dangers faced by Georgia's Muslim community. It also highlighted the increasingly divisive and inflammatory nature of political discourse, particularly around issues of race, religion, and immigration.

The details

The ad was released by Republican state Sen. Greg Dolezal, who is running for lieutenant governor. It received immediate criticism from Georgia's Muslim lawmakers, including Rep. Ruwa Romman and Sen. Sheikh Rahman, who condemned it as hateful and Islamophobic. Dolezal defended the ad, drawing comparisons to President Trump's recent comments about 'sharia courts' in London. Other Republican candidates, such as John F. Kennedy, sought to distance themselves from Dolezal's rhetoric.

  • The ad was released earlier this week by state Sen. Greg Dolezal.
  • Candidate qualifying for the lieutenant governor race started on Monday, March 3, 2026 and will wrap up at noon on Friday, March 7, 2026.

The players

Greg Dolezal

A Republican state senator from Cumming, Georgia who is running for lieutenant governor. He released an incendiary campaign video depicting Muslims as 'invaders' who refuse to assimilate.

Ruwa Romman

A Democratic state representative from Duluth, Georgia and one of two Muslim lawmakers in the House. She denounced Dolezal's video as hateful, racist, and Islamophobic.

Sheikh Rahman

A Democratic state senator from Lawrenceville, Georgia and one of two Muslim lawmakers in the chamber. He condemned Dolezal's video and called on him to apologize and remove the ad.

Nabilah Parkes

A Democratic state senator from Duluth, Georgia who made a last-minute entry into the lieutenant governor race in response to Dolezal's campaign video. She vowed to push back against xenophobic rhetoric.

John F. Kennedy

A former Republican state senator from Macon, Georgia who is also running for lieutenant governor. He criticized Dolezal's ad as 'bizarre' and not his 'style'.

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What they’re saying

“The sad reality is that people have turned this into an industry where they're making a lot of money off of rage.”

— Ruwa Romman, State Representative (Georgia Recorder)

“When I looked at the video, my response was, it's pathetic. It's unbelievable. It is really pathetic to see how low you can go.”

— Sheikh Rahman, State Senator (Georgia Recorder)

“I, quite frankly, think it's kind of bizarre. At this stage of the campaign, some candidates will do outlandish things to get attention, and this is probably in that vein. That's not my style. That's not what I'm a part of.”

— John F. Kennedy, Former Republican State Senator (Georgia Recorder)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.