Everything’s bigger in Texas—including political fights, especially when they touch on religion, local control, and, yes, controversial development projects. Now, Republican state Sen. Mayes Middleton is finding himself right in the middle of it as he runs for attorney general.
Back in January 2025, Middleton introduced Senate Bill 854, pitching it as a solution to Texas’ housing shortage. On paper, it sounds straightforward: require cities to approve housing developments on land owned by religious institutions. In practice? That means local governments would have a “purely ministerial” duty to sign off—no delays, no roadblocks, and potentially lawsuits if they try to push back. Because nothing says “local control” like removing it entirely.
Middleton argued the bill was about cutting through red tape and stopping “unnecessary governmental interference.” He later clarified that religious institutions would be able to build multifamily or mixed-use housing “as a matter of right,” without the usual zoning hurdles that often slow projects down.
But here’s where things took a turn.
At the same time this legislation was moving forward, Texans were already raising alarms about a proposed 400-acre development known as EPIC City—a Muslim-centered community planned with a mosque, schools, and residential areas. The project aimed to create a self-sustaining community, and that’s when concerns started pouring in.
Governor Greg Abbott didn’t mince words, warning that the project appeared to suggest potential “no-go zones” tied to Sharia law. He made it clear: Sharia law is not allowed in Texas. Developers, for their part, insisted they were following all applicable laws, including the Fair Housing Act. The Department of Justice even launched an investigation, which was later closed after assurances of compliance.
Still, the timing raised eyebrows. Middleton eventually updated his bill’s language, removing the word “mosque” from its description. But the core mechanics? Completely unchanged. The legislation would still significantly limit the ability of local governments to block developments like EPIC City—regardless of public opposition.
Critics aren’t holding back. Congressman Chip Roy, who’s also in the race for attorney general, slammed the bill, arguing it could “fuel the Islamification of Texas” under the banner of religious liberty. He went further, questioning Middleton’s qualifications and warning against electing someone he described as inexperienced for such a critical legal role.
At its core, this isn’t just about one bill—it’s about who gets to decide what communities look like in Texas: local residents or top-down mandates. And as this race unfolds, voters are getting a clear contrast in visions.
One thing’s certain—Texas isn’t backing away from tough debates anytime soon. And with leaders like Trump setting the tone nationally, expect these battles over law, security, and common sense to stay front and center.
