EPIC City Proposal Sparks Political Battle in Texas
In a provocative encounter at a Collin County commissioners meeting, planner Erin Ragsdale introduced EPIC City—a proposed 402-acre development from the East Plano Islamic Center aimed at fostering inclusivity within North Texas’s increasing Muslim population. Central to the project is a mosque, surrounded by residential, commercial, and educational facilities. Ragsdale emphasized that the development is open to all, offering residents and businesses an opportunity to flourish.
However, the concept has triggered significant backlash, with state officials, including Governor Greg Abbott, raising concerns about its legality. Abbott, alongside Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, accused the project of potentially violating housing laws and establishing a "no-go zone." Their criticisms stemmed partly from posts by the Islamophobic group Rise Align Ignite Reclaim Foundation, which garnered public attention on social media.
As EPIC City gains traction, it has become a focal point in a fierce Republican primary battle between incumbent Senator John Cornyn and challenger Ken Paxton. Both candidates are leveraging the controversy to appeal to conservative voters. According to political science expert Brandon Rottinghaus, EPIC serves as a significant platform for both, highlighting their conservative credentials ahead of the midterm elections.
Cornyn has initiated a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into assertions of racial discrimination against non-Muslim residents. Meanwhile, Paxton has ramped up his scrutiny of the development with state probes, reflecting the heightened political stakes.
While the debate intensifies, the implications for Texas’s Muslim community are profound. Resident Fawzia Belal expressed hope for greater understanding and acceptance, emphasizing shared human aspirations. The ongoing political discourse surrounding EPIC City underscores broader tensions in Texas politics, as both candidates vie for favor among a changing Republican electorate.
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