Texas Republican Candidate’s Controversial Video – Quran Set on Fire: Cheap Publicity or Political Strategy?
By: Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada
Austin: Political circles in Texas were shaken when Republican candidate Valentina Gomez released a video showing herself burning the Islamic holy book, the Quran, with a flamethrower as part of her campaign for a U.S. Congressional seat.
The video, posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), quickly went viral and sparked widespread outrage and criticism across the country.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19U72Y9ByE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Gomez, who is running from Texas’s 31st Congressional District—a district stretching from the northern suburbs of Austin to Central Texas, but not including Austin’s main city—can be seen in the video claiming:
“America is a Christian nation. Islam must be ended in Texas, and Muslims should return to their 57 Muslim countries.”
She further stated:
“Help me get to Congress so we can end the Islamisation of America.”
These statements and the video have alarmed not only the Muslim community but also several religious and human rights organizations. Civil rights groups and faith leaders have condemned the act, calling it a dangerous attempt to incite hatred, religious bias, and division.
https://x.com/valentinaforusa/status/1960096895579406401?s=48
This is not Gomez’s first controversial move. She has previously released hardline campaign videos and made inflammatory remarks. During Texas Muslim Day, she reportedly tried to seize the stage to deliver a hate-filled speech. Her targets have included Muslims, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and other religious minorities, often using provocative language. Analysts say this latest video is part of the same pattern—likely aimed at gaining cheap publicity and appealing to an extremist voter base.
Texas’s 31st District is a Republican-leaning constituency where former President Donald Trump received 61% of the vote in 2024. The seat is currently held by Republican John Carter, and Gomez is trying to build her profile ahead of the 2026 race.
Following the release of the video, there was a strong backlash on social media. Many called it “hate speech disguised as free expression,” while others questioned whether it was an attack on religious freedom or just a political stunt.
Analysts believe such actions highlight the growing polarization and extremism in U.S. politics. Many suggest Gomez may be doing this simply to gain media attention and name recognition locally and nationally.
It is noteworthy that Valentina Gomez herself comes from an immigrant background and is of Hispanic origin.
