Republicans Target Muslims in 2026 Midterm Campaigns

Republican politicians are increasingly incorporating Muslims and Islam into their campaign messaging ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, employing rhetoric that critics argue unfairly targets a religious minority while supporters claim it addresses legitimate security and extremism concerns. Candidates in states including Michigan, Texas, and Alabama have used discussions of Islam, national security, and alleged extremism to challenge Democratic rivals. In Michigan, Republican Vice President JD Vance described Abdul ElSayed, a Muslim Democrat running for the U.S. Senate, as "very, very evil" and accused him of defending terrorism. Vance's remarks followed comments ElSayed made after a March vehicle attack on a suburban Detroit synagogue. ElSayed condemned the attack but also stated, "hurt people hurt people," referencing relatives killed in an Israeli airstrike. ElSayed later said his remarks were misconstrued and apologized. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott, seeking another term, attacked a proposed Muslim-led development, calling for an investigation into alleged efforts to create sharia courts. Developers and civil rights groups have disputed these claims.