Texas Republicans Accused of 'Dehumanizing' Muslims for Political Gain

CAIR condemns GOP officials' rhetoric and policies targeting Muslim communities

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:33pm

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A fractured, abstract painting of a Texas state flag waving in the wind, the colors distorted and repeated in overlapping geometric waves, conveying a sense of political turmoil and division.As Texas Republicans ramp up anti-Muslim rhetoric for political gain, the resulting fractures in the state's social fabric are reflected in this abstract, unsettling illustration.Abbott Today

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a major national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, has accused Texas Republican officials of using anti-Muslim rhetoric and policies to energize their political base. CAIR officials have criticized Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for what they describe as 'political stunts' targeting Muslim communities, including proposals to investigate 'imaginary sharia courts' and exclude Islamic schools from voucher programs.

Why it matters

CAIR's allegations highlight the growing political polarization around issues of religion, immigration, and diversity in states like Texas. The organization argues that Republican officials are 'dehumanizing' Muslims and other marginalized groups for electoral gain, which could further inflame tensions and put vulnerable communities at risk.

The details

CAIR officials, including national deputy director Edward Ahmed Mitchell and Austin operations manager Shaimaa Zayan, have condemned the actions of Abbott, DeSantis, and other Texas Republicans. Zayan accused the GOP of 'using us as a boogeyman to scare people so that they can vote for them' and 'using us as a scapegoat to gain political positions and power.' Mitchell called the governors' proposals 'political stunts' that violate the First Amendment.

  • On April 10, 2026, CAIR issued a news release calling for the resignation of a Milwaukee alderman who made 'reprehensible' social media posts targeting Muslims.
  • In mid-April 2026, CAIR's Michigan chapter reported that a home in Brown City was vandalized with racist graffiti over the Easter holiday.
  • In the lead-up to the 2026 Texas primary elections, CAIR has condemned Republican officials' escalating anti-Muslim rhetoric and policies.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Republican governor of Texas who has proposed investigating 'imaginary sharia courts' and excluding Islamic schools from voucher programs.

Ron DeSantis

The Republican governor of Florida who has joined Abbott in targeting Muslim communities for political gain, according to CAIR.

Shaimaa Zayan

The operations manager for CAIR's Austin chapter, who accused Texas Republicans of 'dehumanizing' Muslims.

Edward Ahmed Mitchell

The national deputy director of CAIR, who condemned Abbott and DeSantis' 'political stunts' targeting Muslim communities.

Sameeha Rizvi

A civic engagement organizer for CAIR-Austin who argued for accurate and unbiased portrayals of Islam in Texas social studies curriculum.

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What they’re saying

“'They are using us as a boogeyman to scare people so that they can vote for them. They are using us as a scapegoat to gain political positions and power.'”

— Shaimaa Zayan, Operations manager, CAIR Austin

“'There is no Texas exception of the First Amendment.'”

— Edward Ahmed Mitchell, National deputy director, CAIR

“'I ask you to choose academic integrity over political comfort. Despite the false allegations being made, I, nor CAIR, nor those of diverse faiths are pushing any agenda.'”

— Sameeha Rizvi, Civic engagement organizer, CAIR-Austin

The takeaway

CAIR's accusations highlight the growing political weaponization of anti-Muslim sentiment in states like Texas, where Republican officials appear to be increasingly targeting Muslim communities for electoral gain. This rhetoric and policy agenda could further marginalize vulnerable populations and undermine democratic norms of inclusion and religious freedom.