Muslims and Islam have become a prominent campaign issue ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections. Republican candidates say they are raising concerns about security, extremism and religion in public life. Critics accuse them of unfairly targeting Muslim Americans.
Vice President JD Vance intensified the debate at a Michigan rally last week. He called Abdul El-Sayed, a Muslim Democrat running for the US Senate, “very, very evil.”
Vance accused El-Sayed of defending terrorism after a March attack on a suburban Detroit synagogue. El-Sayed condemned the attack but said of the assailant that “hurt people hurt people.” He noted that an Israeli airstrike had recently killed some of the man’s relatives in Lebanon.
El-Sayed later apologised and said people may have misconstrued his remarks. If elected, the American-born doctor would become the first Muslim US senator.
Texas and Alabama Campaigns Target Sharia Concerns
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also focused on Islam while seeking another term in a close contest. He attacked a proposed Muslim-led development and requested an investigation into alleged efforts to establish “sharia courts.”
The developers and civil rights organisations dispute that claim. Abbott campaign spokesman Eduardo Leal said the governor targeted alleged illegal conduct, not religious beliefs.
Abbott also sought a federal investigation into Islamic ritual washing facilities at two Texas airports in August. Houston Mayor John Whitmire said the ablution and prayer rooms remained open to all travellers and employees, regardless of religion.
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In Alabama, Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville has taken a similar approach during his campaign for governor. He warned that “the enemy is inside the gates,” while referring to what he called radical Islam.
Muslims represent less than 0.5% of Alabama’s population.
Pew Research Center estimates that about 5.5 million Muslims live in the United States. That figure has risen from 2.4 million in 2007 and now represents roughly 1.6% of the population.
Muslim Political Gains Draw National Attention
Muslim Americans have reached several political milestones in recent years.
New York City elected Zohran Mamdani as its first Muslim mayor last year. Virginia voters elected Ghazala Hashmi as lieutenant governor, making her the first Muslim woman to win statewide office in the country.
The debate has also reached House campaigns. Texas Republican Representatives Keith Self and Chip Roy established the “Sharia Free America Caucus” in December 2025.
Florida Republican Representative Randy Fine has introduced legislation that he says will “tackle the rise” of sharia law in America. Fine’s aides did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.
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University of Rochester professor Aaron Hughes described the Republican focus as “fear-mongering.” He argued that it diverts attention from living costs, the Iran war and immigration.
Republicans reject accusations that the campaign amounts to anti-Muslim politics. They frame their actions as efforts to protect constitutional law and national security.
The November vote will decide whether Democrats can take control of Congress from President Donald Trump’s Republican Party.
