What A Day Texas Republicans Return To Islamophobia
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Feb 26, 2026 Forrest Wilder, senior writer at Texas Monthly who covers Texas politics, joins to unpack why Islamophobic rhetoric is surging in Republican primaries. He traces fear-driven tactics, links anti-Muslim talk to broader xenophobia against South Asian immigrants, and examines how extreme messaging reshapes campaigns and pressures officials.
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Fear Politics Is Driving Islamophobia In Texas
- Texas GOP primary messaging has escalated to Islamophobia because fear-driven culture-war topics outperform other issues with primary voters.
- Forrest Wilder says the border and trans issues have faded, so candidates exploit a "Muslim invasion" narrative that polls well among GOP primary voters.
Xenophobia Marries Anti-Muslim Attacks In Texas
- Anti-Muslim rhetoric in Texas often conflates South Asian immigrants, targeting Hindus and Muslims alike under a broader xenophobic frame.
- Wilder highlights attacks on H-1B workers and comments about suburbs 'looking like Pakistan' as examples.
Rhetoric Translates Into Legal Attacks On Muslim Groups
- Political Islamophobia in Texas isn't just rhetoric — it has legal consequences, like efforts to label civic groups as foreign terrorists.
- Wilder cites Governor Greg Abbott's attempt to designate CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood to restrict nonprofit activities.