FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) – Several Republican leaders in one of Texas’ most populous counties worry an upcoming vote to oust a party vice chairman because he’s Muslim could hurt the GOP’s ability to energize voters in 2020.
The Tarrant County GOP executive committee will decide Thursday whether to remove Shahid Shafi from the post. The vote comes after some party leaders questioned whether Shafi is more loyal to Islamic law or lacks support for the party’s pro-Israel stance.
Shafi has denied the allegations, saying he supports the American court system.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the infighting has caused potential donors to hold off on giving to the county party’s main fundraiser in February. Some party members speculate that fundraising efforts will be drained if Shafi is removed, jeopardizing the party’s 2020 campaign.
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