Texas – Texas Sen. Ted Cruz pushed back against a viral video attributed to Muslim preacher Karim AbuZaid, after a social media post claimed the imam described Texas’ political shift as an opportunity for Muslims to take over the state. “This is their plan. They admit it proudly. Hell no,” Cruz wrote in a November 9 post on X, sharing a November 8 post by an account identified as Bob (@Shariakill). The post attributed the statement, “Now that Texas turn Blue, it’s a chance for us to takeover,” to AbuZaid. The claim quickly drew attention online, with conservative media outlets including The Western Journal and PJ Media covering the controversy and Cruz’s response.
Ted Cruz responds to viral Texas imam video claiming Muslim ‘takeover’ after election results, says ‘Hell no’ Texas Sen. Ted Cruz reacted to a viral video attributed to Muslim preacher Karim AbuZaid, accusing those behind the remarks of openly revealing their plans after a social media post claimed the imam described the state’s recent Democratic election victories as an opportunity for Muslims to take over Texas.
“This is their plan. They admit it proudly. Hell no,” Cruz wrote in a November 9 post on X, sharing a video posted the previous day by an account identified as Bob (@Shariakill).
The November 8 post attributed the statement, “Now that Texas turn Blue, it’s a chance for us to takeover,” to AbuZaid. The clip quickly circulated online and drew reactions from conservative commentators and media outlets, including The Western Journal and PJ Media. However, the viral caption does not accurately reflect the full context of AbuZaid’s remarks, according to a fact-check published by DebunkIt.
The Dallas Express reported on November 9 that AbuZaid did make comments about the election results during a November 6 sermon, describing the Democratic victories as “a chance for us Muslims to grab.” The outlet also reported that he discussed the need for believers to “confront the disbelievers,” while clarifying that he initially meant confrontation through means that were “not necessarily physically.” He identified intellectual debate and elections as lawful ways to advance his religious beliefs, but added that the confrontation “will escalate” and “has to at the end.”
The controversy also involves a planned religious project in Richardson, Texas. According to The Dallas Express, AbuZaid’s organization plans to establish a mosque and Islamic outreach academy at a former Baptist church property. The plans include a K-12 Islamic school, a seminary and a food pantry. AbuZaid reportedly discussed the project while speaking about the election results and the future of Muslim outreach in Texas.
AbuZaid also criticized Republicans during the sermon, calling them “so Islamophobic,” while saying he does not vote and was not endorsing a political candidate. In an accompanying article, he referenced the victory speech of Democratic Sen.-elect James Talarico, using the biblical story of David and Goliath to discuss political participation. The Dallas Express reported that AbuZaid described elections as a form of civic action and said Muslims should act lawfully and honor agreements.
The exact wording that sparked the viral controversy, however, has been challenged. DebunkIt published a fact-check on November 9 labeling the claim that AbuZaid said, “Now that Texas turn Blue, it’s a chance for us to takeover,” as false. The fact-check said the quote was fabricated and that the November 6 sermon segment concerned AbuZaid’s belief that some voters were motivated to oppose candidates who used Islamophobic attacks. It also said there was no evidence of an attempted Islamic takeover in the United States.
The Western Journal also reported, focusing on the imam’s remarks and Cruz’s response. Their coverage also highlighted statements about Islamic outreach and the role of elections in advancing religious goals. The distinction between the viral caption and the longer sermon is central to the dispute. While the exact wording shared in the November 8 post has been disputed, The Dallas Express separately reported that AbuZaid described the Democratic election victories as an opportunity for Muslims to gain influence. Cruz’s response came as the comments circulated widely online and prompted debate over the imam’s statements and plans for the Richardson religious center.
