Muslim Lawmaker Says Texas Republicans Are Targeting His Community

State Rep. Salman Bhojani expects legal action over Muslim schools being excluded from state's new voucher program

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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State Rep. Salman Bhojani, one of two Muslim lawmakers in the Texas Legislature, says the Muslim community in the state is "living under a blanket of fear and suspicion" due to recent rhetoric and actions by Texas Republicans. Bhojani expects legal action after reports surfaced that Muslim private schools are being excluded from the state's new voucher program.

Why it matters

The targeting of the Muslim community by Texas Republicans raises concerns about religious discrimination and civil rights violations. As the state's political landscape becomes increasingly polarized, the exclusion of Muslim schools from the voucher program could further marginalize the Muslim population.

The details

Bhojani says he receives calls from Muslim community members who feel they are being targeted just for wearing a hijab. Republicans have also targeted proposed Muslim-centered developments, such as EPIC City in North Texas, which Bhojani says is simply an effort by the community to come together and pray in peace. The lawmaker expects legal action after reports that more than two dozen Muslim private schools have been left out of the state's new voucher program.

  • On February 13, 2026, State Rep. Salman Bhojani spoke to KENS 5 on Inside Texas Politics about the Muslim community feeling targeted by Texas Republicans.

The players

Salman Bhojani

A Democratic state representative in Texas and one of two Muslim lawmakers in the Texas Legislature.

Texas Republicans

The Republican political party in the state of Texas, which Bhojani says has been targeting the Muslim community with rhetoric and actions.

EPIC City

A proposed Muslim-centered development in North Texas that Bhojani says is simply an effort by the community to come together and pray in peace.

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What they’re saying

“The Muslim community is devastated. It's living under sort of a blanket of fear, a blanket of suspicion that, oh, if you're Muslim, then you must be doing something illegal or these organizations that are fighting for your civil rights are also terrorist organizations.”

— Salman Bhojani, State Representative (KENS 5)

“As a Muslim Texan, I feel really strongly that it's not contrary to say I'm a proud Muslim and I'm a proud Texan.”

— Salman Bhojani, State Representative (KENS 5)

What’s next

Bhojani expects legal action to be taken so that Muslim private schools can participate in the state's new voucher program, which has reportedly excluded more than two dozen such schools.

The takeaway

The targeting of the Muslim community by Texas Republicans highlights the growing political divide and the potential for religious discrimination in the state. As the state's Muslim population seeks to exercise their rights and participate in the educational system, the exclusion of Muslim schools from the voucher program raises concerns about civil liberties and equal treatment under the law.