Abbott vows to ban Sharia Law in Texas during Republican convention speech

DALLAS - Texas Gov. [Fox 7 Austin]

Gov. Greg Abbott appeared Thursday as a featured speaker on the final evening of the state Republican convention in Dallas, where he outlined his administration's legislative record on several contentious issues.

Abbott used the platform to showcase state measures passed under his tenure, focusing on border enforcement, electoral procedures, educational options and restrictions on foreign property ownership. He characterized these policies as pragmatic approaches that run counter to Democratic priorities. Among the laws he highlighted was legislation prohibiting Russia, China and Iran from acquiring land within Texas borders.

The governor devoted particular attention to his executive directive labeling the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American and Islamic Relations as terrorist entities. "We are not waiting on Washington, D.C.," Abbott declared, announcing his intention to "fully ban Sharia Law in Texas." His order now faces legal challenge, and notably, CAIR has not received terrorist designation from the U.S. State Department, though certain factions of the Muslim Brotherhood including those based in Sudan and Lebanon have received such designations.

Abbott's remarks regarding cost-of-living concerns appeared to deflect from what polling suggests remains a major voter preoccupation this election season. He accused his Democratic opponents of "gaslighting the public about affordability," the governor said.

This messaging strategy presents a notable contrast to Abbott's own electoral positioning. The governor has actively campaigned on affordability-related proposals, including plans to eliminate school property taxes, establish price controls on pharmaceuticals and require data center companies to finance their own infrastructure and electrical power requirements.