Abbott PAC Received Millions From Muslim Donor Amid Anti-Muslim Actions
Campaign finance filings show that S. Javaid Anwar, a Pakistani American Muslim oil executive, has given nearly $4 million since 2025 to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's political action committee, including private plane travel. Anwar has contributed more than $15 million to Abbott's PAC since 2015, while Abbott has opened investigations into Islamic groups and used anti-Muslim rhetoric. A Houston Muslim activist criticized the donations, pointing to harm the governor's allies have caused to Muslim communities.
S. Javaid Anwar, a Pakistani American Muslim oil executive and philanthropist, founded Midland Energy and Petroplex Energy. Texas Ethics Commission records show he has given more than $15 million to Texans for Greg Abbott since 2015, including nearly $4 million since 2025—$3.9 million in contributions and $122,000 in in-kind support such as private flights for the governor.
During that same period, Abbott has opened inquiries into Islamic organizations and sharpened anti-Muslim rhetoric. Last month at the Dallas GOP convention, he pledged to “fully ban Sharia Law in Texas.” Houston Muslim activist Saleema Gul criticized Anwar’s giving, arguing that Abbott and his allies have caused real harm to Muslim communities.
The disclosure may intensify debate over whether large donors from groups targeted by a politician’s rhetoric can influence policy or access. Muslim Texans could feel further alienated by Abbott’s actions, while supporters may see the donations as evidence that his policies are not aimed at all Muslims. It may also affect trust in campaign finance transparency and coalition politics in Texas.