Originally conceived as a Muslim community, it has evolved into the focal point of Texas' most contentious political battle
In the ongoing race for Texas' US Senate seat, the proposed development of EPIC City has become a contentious issue, sparking investigations and stirring up controversy.
EPIC City, a project initiated by the East Plano Islamic Center, is planned to consist of a mosque and a mix of residential, commercial, and community spaces. The development, aimed at catering to the growing Muslim community in North Texas, is intended to be open to everyone, regardless of faith, according to the project's planners.
However, the project has faced significant pushback, even before a single permit has been applied for. Collin County residents and online groups have expressed opposition, with the projects receiving criticism from high-profile figures like Governor Greg Abbott, who has accused it of having "serious legal issues."
Abbott's concerns were first raised afterposts from the Islamophobic group Rise Align Ignite Reclaim Foundation went viral. The governor has since branded the development as the start of a "no-go zone."
In the political arena, the controversy surrounding EPIC City has become a battleground for two Republican heavyweights vying for Texas' US Senate seat. Incumbent John Cornyn and his challenger, Attorney General Ken Paxton, have both questioned the legality of EPIC City, with Paxton launching an investigation into the development as early as February.
After Cornyn made a request, the US Justice Department then launched its own investigation into EPIC City, focusing on alleged racial discrimination against Jewish and Christian residents. Local city officials have also been demanded to provide documents potentially related to the development by Paxton.
Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, describes this primary race as one of the toughest in Texas politics' history. Both candidates are using EPIC City to court conservative voters, hoping to prove their conservative bona fides on a high-profile issue.
The race between Cornyn and Paxton has been marked by personal jabs for years. Cornyn has called Paxton a "conman" in reference to his legal issues, while Paxton has questioned Cornyn's loyalty to President Donald Trump following critical comments about the president.
Trump's endorsement is expected to heavily influence the upcoming election, with both candidates aiming to align themselves with the president to appeal to the Republican primary electorate. According to Rottinghaus, if Cornyn wants to outflank Paxton on the right, he needs to prove his conservative credentials on a high-profile issue like EPIC City to win the attention of the White House.
Meanwhile, the Muslim community, facing growing tensions in the wake of the EPIC City controversy, remains hopeful that the project will help expand their community and provide an accepting place for the practice of their faith. Residents like Fawzia Belal, who moved to Texas from Connecticut more than a decade ago, continue to push for understanding and unity, despite the widespread misconceptions about the Muslim community.
- The proposed development of EPIC City, a contentious issue in the ongoing race for Texas' US Senate seat, has sparked investigations by the US Justice Department due to alleged racial discrimination against Jewish and Christian residents.
- The investigations into EPIC City have turn into a battleground for two Republican heavyweights vying for Texas' US Senate seat, with both John Cornyn and Ken Paxton questioning the legality of the development.
- Governor Greg Abbott, who has accused EPIC City of having "serious legal issues," has raised his concerns after posts from the Islamophobic group Rise Align Ignite Reclaim Foundation went viral.
- In the political arena, the controversy surrounding EPIC City is being used by both candidates to court conservative voters, with the aim of proving their conservative bona fides on a high-profile issue.
- Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, describes this primary race as one of the toughest in Texas politics' history, with EPIC City playing a significant role in the personal jabs between Cornyn and Paxton.
- Trump's endorsement is expected to heavily influence the upcoming election, with both Cornyn and Paxton aiming to align themselves with the president to appeal to the Republican primary electorate.
- The Muslim community, facing growing tensions in the wake of the EPIC City controversy, remains hopeful that the project will help expand their community and provide an accepting place for the practice of their faith.
- Despite the widespread misconceptions about the Muslim community, residents like Fawzia Belal continue to push for understanding and unity, hoping that the EPIC City development will eventually be realized.
