Republicans Make Islam 2026 Midterm Campaign Issue

Republican candidates in Michigan, Texas and Alabama are making Islam, Muslim candidates and alleged threats involving Islamic law prominent themes in their 2026 midterm campaigns. Vice President JD Vance called Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed “very, very evil” and accused him of defending terrorism over remarks following a synagogue attack, while El-Sayed condemned the attack and said his comments were misunderstood. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has called for an investigation into a proposed Muslim-led development over claims it could establish “sharia courts,” allegations disputed by the developers and civil rights groups; Alabama Senate candidate Tommy Tuberville has also warned of a threat from “radical Islam.” Republicans characterize the messaging as addressing security, extremism and the role of religion in public life, while critics say it unfairly portrays Muslims as a collective security threat and exploits fear for political gain. The focus comes as Muslim Americans gain greater political representation, including the potential election of El-Sayed as the first Muslim U.S. senator and the recent election of Muslim officials such as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Virginia Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi.