Republican figures in Arizona are reigniting fears surrounding the concept of “sharia law” as they prepare for the upcoming midterm elections. This latest campaign appears to be a strategic move to galvanize support amid a challenging electoral landscape. The focus is on a proposed real estate project dubbed “Qatar City,” which critics claim could be a front for advancing sharia law in the state.
On February 3, 2026, controversial activist Laura Loomer, known for her ties to former President Donald Trump, shared a screenshot of a pitch deck for the Qatar City development. Loomer’s claims built upon earlier assertions by right-wing activist Rabbi Pini Dunner, who alleged that Qatar aims to fund various anti-Israel and anti-Western initiatives on U.S. college campuses. Loomer added a new twist by suggesting that the development would facilitate the implementation of sharia law in the U.S.
Sharia law, which encompasses a range of Islamic legal interpretations, has long been a focal point for Republican rhetoric, particularly since the early 2010s. Politicians have often leveraged fears of sharia to appeal to constituents, leading to legislative efforts aimed at banning its influence in the United States. This tactic is seen as particularly relevant in the current political climate, where various Republican candidates are attempting to position themselves as staunch opponents of Islam.
According to Texas GOP consultant Vinny Minchillo, “The Muslim community is the boogeyman for this cycle.” Minchillo noted that polling indicates this messaging resonates strongly with Republican voters, particularly in Texas.
Contrary to the claims made by Loomer and Dunner, the development of Qatar City is not a reality at this stage. The land in question is part of the North Park development project, approved by the Phoenix City Council last year. The proposal was submitted by PulteGroup, a construction company based in Atlanta, and aims to ensure transparency in the bidding process for the land.
Brent Moser, an executive at Lee and Associates, the firm involved in the project, clarified that the screenshots circulating online were from an internal pitch deck intended for potential investors, including those from Qatar. Moser emphasized the benefits of foreign investment, stating, “If we bring an investment from Qatar into the state, it’s a good thing. The U.S. obviously has good alignment with Qatar and other Middle Eastern countries.”
Despite the lack of evidence supporting the claims of sharia law being implemented through the Qatar City project, conservative commentators have continued to amplify the narrative, framing it as a critical issue in the upcoming elections. Tyler Bowyer, COO of Turning Point USA, quickly echoed Loomer’s concerns, declaring the situation alarming for Arizona’s political landscape.
The Arizona State Land Department responded to these claims, stating that the concept of Qatar City originated from a local real estate firm without state approval or oversight. They confirmed that there is no application related to this concept and reiterated details about the North Park project.
In a rare admission, Rep. Abe Hamadeh, a Republican from Arizona, acknowledged that the Qatar City proposal is merely an idea from outside investors with no current plans for development. He stated, “This plan has NO approval or plan to move forward in Phoenix.”
Despite these clarifications, Arizona Republicans have already begun leveraging the fear of sharia law for political gain. In late January, state legislators voted to ban sharia, with state Senator Janae Shamp asserting the need for preventive measures against any potential imposition of sharia in the state.
Shamp argued, “Arizona should not wait for a high-profile case to arise on our doorstep. Prevention is a far, far better cure.” This sentiment was echoed by supporters of the ban, who cited anecdotal claims regarding the potential governance of Qatar City by sharia law.
As the 2026 elections approach, polling suggests that the incumbent Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, is maintaining a significant lead over potential Republican challengers. Some surveys indicate Hobbs is ahead by double digits, a notable shift in a state that has historically leaned Republican.
Republicans in Arizona have faced challenges in recent elections, particularly with candidates like former Fox News host Kari Lake and Blake Masters failing to secure victories. Political dynamics have shifted, with independents increasingly distancing themselves from Republican candidates, as evidenced by former Tucson Mayor Thomas Volgy, who commented on the changing sentiment among voters.
With rising living costs and social issues affecting voter sentiment, the GOP’s attempts to rally support through fear-based tactics surrounding sharia law may not yield the desired results. Volgy emphasized, “The real change is among Independents — the largest voting group in the state. And they appear to be dramatically moving away from Republican candidates.”
As the political landscape in Arizona evolves, the revival of sharia law fears serves as a reminder of the lengths to which some Republicans may go to regain momentum. Whether this strategy will resonate with voters remains to be seen as election day approaches.
