Ayaan Hirsi Ali Supports Sen. John Cornyn in Texas Senate Race

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a prominent advocate for women’s rights who escaped Islamic law, has publicly endorsed Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) in a vital Senate race that could influence the Republican majority.

In a video, Ali, who fled Somalia after experiencing female genital mutilation, voiced her support, stating, “John Cornyn is the only person with a track record of stopping Islamic extremism.”

She remarked, “I’ve seen firsthand what Islamic extremists do to women, families, and countries that ignore warning signs. America is not immune, and neither is Texas. That’s why experience matters.”

This endorsement surfaces amid an already heated Texas Senate primary featuring Cornyn, who has held his seat since 2002, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and State Representative Wesley Hunt. While former President Donald Trump isn’t directly involved, he has hinted at potential support for all candidates, mentioning, “My problem is that I’m friendly with all of them.”

Recently, Texas officials have raised concerns about the spread of Sharia law in the state. Governor Greg Abbott has labeled the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as “foreign terrorist organizations” under Texas law.

Ali made certain criticisms of Paxton and Hunt, both of whom are potential newcomers to the Senate, emphasizing the crucial experience Cornyn has in combating Sharia law. She stated, “He takes the threat seriously when others choose denial and political gamesmanship.”

“To protect our people and uphold our values in Texas, we need leaders who understand the dangers and know how to stop them,” she added. “Vote for John Cornyn to strengthen Texas and protect it from Islamic extremism.”

In response, Cornyn expressed gratitude for Ali’s support, saying, “I’m honored to receive the support of Ayaan Hirsi Ali, who has bravely discussed the dangers of Islamic extremism based on her own experiences.”

His office highlighted several initiatives taken by Cornyn as senator, including actions aimed at countering Sharia law in the U.S. He has worked to clarify that Sharia-based discrimination contradicts civil rights laws and co-sponsored legislation aimed at preventing courts from enforcing unconstitutional foreign laws.

Cornyn also introduced a bill that would strip tax-exempt status from organizations supporting designated terrorist groups, specifically targeting CAIR. He has also pushed for the designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization.

“For years, I have fought this extremist ideology—working to outlaw Sharia law and prosecuting terrorist organizations,” Cornyn noted. “I will continue to safeguard Texans from the threats associated with extremist ideologies.”

Ali’s endorsement arrives just a couple of weeks before the Texas Republican primary election.

Cornyn is a leading Republican senator, receiving backing from the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the National Border Security Council.

Paxton, who has served as Texas’ attorney general since 2015, recently gained the endorsement of Turning Point Action, while Hunt, a U.S. Army veteran, is supported by America First Veterans.

Interestingly, both Paxton and Hunt also oppose Sharia law in Texas. Paxton has initiated legal action against CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood for operating in the state, and he has levied accusations against the developers of EPIC for violating Texas securities laws.

Hunt has stated that Sharia law is “completely inconsistent with the founding principles of the United States,” arguing it should not be present in American legal or civil systems.

All three Republican contenders have expressed their support for Trump and highlighted their alignment with his policies while in office.

Recently, Trump indicated a potential endorsement in the upcoming primary, stating he has strong connections with all the candidates involved. “You’ll soon find out,” he added, suggesting his backing could sway the outcome.

Whichever Republican emerges victorious in the primary will face either Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett or progressive Representative James Talarico in the general election.

Paxton’s office mentioned that Ali is scheduled to attend a campaign roundtable with religious leaders in North Texas later this week.