Gov. Greg Abbott has taken aim at some Muslim groups surrounding what his office considers questionable housing practices.
Abbott’s office announced Friday, Feb. 13, its support for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, directing the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity to investigate the East Plano Islamic Center for potential violations of the Fair Housing Act.
“‘EPIC City,’ now known as ‘The Meadow,’ was marketed as an exclusively ‘Muslim community’ intended to serve as ‘the epicenter of Islam in America,’” said Abbott in a news release. “Last year, I directed the Texas Workforce Commission to investigate EPIC and any affiliated entities for violations of the Texas Fair Housing Act.”
The release also noted that, following a thorough investigation, the commission staff later filed a detailed complaint, which HUD has now accepted for federal investigation.
“I support HUD Secretary Scott Turner’s efforts to hold EPIC and its affiliates accountable to our anti-discrimination laws. Together, we will hold anyone involved in violating the law accountable. The Meadow will remain just that—an empty field,” Abbott said.
In late January, Abbott demanded that the Office of the Attorney General strip the nonprofit status of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and eliminate the ability of CAIR and its affiliates to operate in Texas.
The governor has also supported designating the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as foreign terrorist organizations.
“Voluminous documents detail the dangers posed to Texans by the Muslim Brotherhood, CAIR, and their affiliates,” Abbott said in Jan. 28 news release. “Regardless of the façade CAIR attempts to portray in press releases, CAIR cannot be allowed to use its ‘nonprofit’ status as a shield for sponsoring terror, advancing radical Islamism in Texas, or fronting for the Muslim Brotherhood.”
Gina Hinojosa continues garnering endorsements
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, Democratic frontrunner for Texas governor Gina Hinojosa received endorsements from a major slate of Harris County elected officials, labor organizations, and Democratic clubs.
“I’m honored to have the support of so many incredible leaders from Harris County who are on the front lines fighting for their communities every day,” said Hinojosa. “Together, we’re building a movement to end the pay-to-play corruption that has defined Greg Abbott’s tenure and deliver the leadership Texas families deserve.”
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare noted that Hinojosa’s campaign focuses on lowering costs for working families, defending public schools, restoring reproductive freedom, and rooting out corruption.
“Gina Hinojosa understands that real public safety is built on accountability, strong institutions, and trust in government. We need leaders who will stand up to corruption and put the public interest first, and that’s exactly what Gina has done throughout her career,” he said.
Important dates for 2026 primary election
The voter registration deadline is Feb. 2, and voters must be registered to vote by this date to participate in the primary. Early in-person voting begins Feb. 17 and continues through Feb. 27.
Should a Runoff election be needed, it will take place May 26. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote in the primary, the top two vote-getters will face off in a runoff.
The last day to register to vote for the general election is Oct. 5, either online, by mail, or in person.
Early voting starts Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30. The absentee ballot request deadline is Oct. 23, by mail or Oct. 19, in person. The absentee ballot return deadline is scheduled for Nov. 3, either by mail or in person on Election Day.
Kristian Jaime is the Top Story Reporter for the El Paso Times and is reachable at Kjaime@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott targets Muslim groups, supports federal housing probe
Reporting by Kristian Jaime, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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