The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today call on all candidates for public office, elected officials, political parties, civic leaders, and members of the public to uphold America’s longstanding commitment to religious liberty, equal citizenship, and the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment.
In a statement, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said:
“Americans may hold differing political views and sharply disagree on policy, but no candidate or public servant should be targeted, attacked, or denigrated because of their religion, ethnicity, race, national origin, or background. Political debate should focus on ideas, qualifications, records, and vision, not prejudice or religious bias.
“Recent attacks targeting the faith or identity of candidates serve as a reminder that religious discrimination has no place in our democracy. Such rhetoric is contrary to our nation’s founding principles and undermines the constitutional freedoms that belong equally to Americans of every faith and background.
“We encourage all candidates and elected officials to reject divisive rhetoric and to defend the rights and dignity of every person seeking to participate in public life. Our democracy is strongest when citizens are free to exercise their constitutional rights without fear, when public officials are judged on their merits, and when we remain committed to preserving the liberties that safeguard the common good for all Americans.
“Regardless of party affiliation, Americans should expect their leaders to uphold the Constitution, protect fundamental freedoms, and promote a society in which people of all faiths and backgrounds are treated with equal respect and dignity.”
CAIR believes that vigorous public debate is essential to a healthy democracy. At the same time, attacks based on religion, ethnicity, race, national origin, or other protected characteristics have no place in our nation’s civic discourse. All Americans should be able to participate fully in public life without facing discrimination, intimidation, or efforts to question their equal standing as citizens because of who they are or what they believe.
As voters evaluate those seeking public office, the focus should remain on character, competence, policy positions, and commitment to serving the public good. Americans should never be pressured to surrender their constitutional rights, religious freedom, or civic participation out of fear, prejudice, or political expediency.
Our nation’s democratic institutions are strongest when every individual is free to contribute to public life, every faith community is treated with equal dignity, and public discourse reflects the constitutional values that unite Americans across political, religious, and cultural differences.
For more information, visit CAIR’s election mobilization website: Muslims.Vote
Muslim.Vote is CAIR’s national, non‑partisan civic engagement campaign, equipping American Muslims with the tools, deadlines, and rights they need to register to vote and show up at the ballot box in 2026.
Note: CAIR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and America’s largest Muslim civil rights organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, CAIR does not endorse or oppose candidates for office and makes no claims as to the favorability of one candidate being elected over another.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]