Texas Senate runoff candidates target Muslim community in ads and lawsuits

Paxton and allied groups ran ads accusing Cornyn of supporting "Muslim mass immigration" and having "a special place in his heart for radical Islam." Cornyn responded by highlighting his record on "fighting radical Islamic extremism" and a bill he drafted to stop the spread of Sharia Law in the U.S.

Real estate development dispute For the past year, both candidates have criticized a real estate project planned by leaders of the East Plano Islamic Center. Cornyn urged the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the project over concerns about possible discriminatory practices or Sharia law influence; the department closed the inquiry without formal action.

Paxton continued the matter at the state level by filing multiple lawsuits against the project and related entities. Organizers of the development denied any connection to discriminatory practices.

Texas residents Shehla Faizi, a Texas Muslim running for state comptroller on the Green Party ticket, said Republican candidates have used similar messaging in past election cycles. Sameeha Rizvi, civic engagement coordinator for the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Texas, said the current campaign rhetoric risks increasing division and hate crimes.

Neither Cornyn nor Paxton responded to requests for comment on the coverage of these issues. The runoff election is scheduled for May 26.