Ahead of McKinney Council Meeting, Hunt and Self Offer Different Views on Proposed Islamic Center

By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews

McKINNEY, Texas — A proposed Islamic Association of McKinney development scheduled for discussion at tonight’s City Council meeting has also become an issue in the race for Texas’ 3rd Congressional District.

At a community town hall last week, Democratic nominee Evan Hunt argued that U.S. Rep. Keith Self’s messaging on Sharia law has contributed to division in North Texas. Self has maintained that his efforts are directed at opposing Sharia law rather than Islam itself.

The proposal calls for a 15,000-square-foot masjid, or mosque; a 10,236-square-foot classroom building; a 7,337-square-foot gymnasium; and 206 parking spaces on approximately 5.6 acres at the southeast corner of Virginia Parkway and Crutcher Crossing.

What the council is considering

While the public debate has largely centered on religion and politics, the item before the City Council is a site plan application for the proposed Islamic Association of McKinney campus. The submitted plans include the mosque, classroom building, gymnasium, parking, and related site improvements.

The City’s agenda identifies the matter as a site plan for religious assembly at 5301, 5311, and 5321 Virginia Parkway. The site plan references Planned Development Ordinance No. 2017-04-041 and lists the proposed use as “Religious Assembly.”

A separate 2017 ordinance amended the property’s Planned Development district to allow single-family residential uses while continuing development under an earlier Planned Development ordinance. The agenda and planning documents reviewed by TX3DNews do not state whether the existing Planned Development regulations permit the proposed religious assembly use or what additional approvals, if any, may be required.

Hunt: “We have a real problem”

Hunt used last week’s “No Hate” town hall to connect the proposed development with what he described as growing division in North Texas.

He said his campaign was motivated in part by the kind of leadership he wants his children to see. He recalled meeting former President Barack Obama while serving in the military, saying Obama walked past a line of generals to greet Hunt’s young daughter.

“That type of dignity and grace is the leadership I want for my children,” Hunt said.

“All politics is local,” he said. “We have a real problem because this wave of hate is emanating from right here in North Texas.”

Hunt then criticized Self.

“Keith Self founded the anti-Sharia caucus, uses his taxpayer-funded platform to literally demonize Muslims in our community, drive division in our community instead of pulling people together,” Hunt said.

In an email to TX3DNews, Hunt said he plans to speak during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

“Letting fear and prejudice govern our zoning decisions is not the American way,” Hunt wrote.

Hunt also questioned Self’s involvement, calling it “highly inappropriate” and arguing the congressman’s anti-Sharia efforts are “really just anti-Muslim.”

Self’s focus on Sharia law

Opposition to Sharia law has been a recurring focus of Self’s work in Congress.

The Sharia-Free America Caucus was launched by Self and Rep. Chip Roy in December 2025, according to Self’s congressional office. The office says the caucus is intended to educate lawmakers about what its members consider the incompatibility of Sharia law with the U.S. Constitution and American legal principles.

When announcing the caucus, Self said:

“Sharia stands in direct opposition to our country and is totally anathema to the concept of individual freedom and our founding principles.”

On July 1, 2026, Self introduced the Preserving Our Constitution Act. According to his office, the bill would address the recognition or enforcement of foreign or religious laws, customs or practices that conflict with the U.S. Constitution or federal law.

In announcing the legislation, Self said:

“The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Any legal or political doctrine that places itself above the Constitution threatens the stability and unity of the nation.”

On Tuesday, ahead of the City Council meeting, Self’s campaign urged residents to attend and oppose the proposed mosque. In a campaign social media post, Self wrote, “Say no to Sharia in Texas tonight!” and described the meeting as residents’ “last chance to stop the mosque.” The post encouraged supporters to attend the meeting and “peacefully exercise your First Amendment rights.”

Self has maintained that his concerns involve Sharia law and constitutional governance, not Islam as a religion.

A local proposal, different political messages

Hunt argues Self’s public messaging on Sharia law has contributed to division in North Texas and says local zoning decisions should not be driven by fear or prejudice. Self has maintained that his focus is on opposing Sharia law and protecting constitutional government, not Islam itself.

The McKinney City Council is expected to hear public comment before considering the proposal Tuesday evening. The meeting marks the latest intersection between a local development proposal and the campaign for Texas’ 3rd Congressional District.

TX3DNews requested comment from Self’s office and the Islamic Association of McKinney. Any responses received will be added to this story.