A Republican gubernatorial candidate in Michigan is facing backlash for his divisive rhetoric and misinformation about Dearborn, a predominantly Muslim suburb of Detroit. The candidate, Anthony Hudson, has been accused of spreading anti-Muslim hate and stoking fears among the community ahead of a planned march, dubbed the "American Crusade."
Hudson's social media posts have portrayed Dearborn as a threat, falsely suggesting that the city is facing "Muslim infiltration" and "Sharia law." He has repeatedly invoked Christian nationalist language and vowed to "expose Dearborn for what it is," claiming that the city is under the control of Islamic leaders.
Despite lacking any concrete evidence, Hudson's claims have sparked outrage among civil rights advocates, who warn that his rhetoric can incite harassment and deepen divisions. Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), has condemned Hudson's remarks, saying they are "playing the politics of fear" to gain publicity.
The planned march is seen as a desperate attempt by Hudson to drum up support among his base. However, it remains unclear whether his divisive rhetoric will resonate with voters. Hudson faces a crowded field of Republican candidates, including well-known figures such as former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and U.S. Rep. John James.
Hudson's platform includes cutting funding for essential services such as schools, police, healthcare, parks, libraries, and infrastructure. He has vowed to eliminate both the state income tax and property taxes, a proposal that economists say would devastate Michigan's ability to fund these services.
The Michigan legislature's budget is heavily reliant on property taxes, which generate around $18.8 billion annually, and the state income tax, which brings in about $9 billion per year. Eliminating either of these taxes would create a massive funding gap, crippling local governments and public services.
As the election approaches, Hudson's opponents are likely to highlight his divisive rhetoric and policies as a threat to the state's values and communities.
Hudson's social media posts have portrayed Dearborn as a threat, falsely suggesting that the city is facing "Muslim infiltration" and "Sharia law." He has repeatedly invoked Christian nationalist language and vowed to "expose Dearborn for what it is," claiming that the city is under the control of Islamic leaders.
Despite lacking any concrete evidence, Hudson's claims have sparked outrage among civil rights advocates, who warn that his rhetoric can incite harassment and deepen divisions. Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), has condemned Hudson's remarks, saying they are "playing the politics of fear" to gain publicity.
The planned march is seen as a desperate attempt by Hudson to drum up support among his base. However, it remains unclear whether his divisive rhetoric will resonate with voters. Hudson faces a crowded field of Republican candidates, including well-known figures such as former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and U.S. Rep. John James.
Hudson's platform includes cutting funding for essential services such as schools, police, healthcare, parks, libraries, and infrastructure. He has vowed to eliminate both the state income tax and property taxes, a proposal that economists say would devastate Michigan's ability to fund these services.
The Michigan legislature's budget is heavily reliant on property taxes, which generate around $18.8 billion annually, and the state income tax, which brings in about $9 billion per year. Eliminating either of these taxes would create a massive funding gap, crippling local governments and public services.
As the election approaches, Hudson's opponents are likely to highlight his divisive rhetoric and policies as a threat to the state's values and communities.
! spreadin' hate speech about Muslims in Dearborn? that's just sick 
. I mean, what's next? attackin' people from other cultures or ethnicities? it's not right, folks 
. and yeah, his economic plan sounds like a total recipe for disaster 
. cuttin' funding to schools and police departments? healthcare? libraries? are you kiddin' me?! 
. and now he wants to eliminate state income tax and property taxes? that's just gonna hurt the average person who can't even afford their own healthcare 
. I don't think this guy has a clue about what it means to govern a state 
. his opponents should totally highlight all this stuff in the campaign trail, expose him for the charlatan he is 
.
. I mean, no concrete evidence just gets people fired up and that's a big red flag for me. And let's talk about the 'American Crusade' march... it feels like a PR stunt to get attention and sympathy from some folks. 
. It's not the first time someone has used divisive rhetoric in Michigan politics, but this latest move just feels like a slippery slope.
. I'm curious to see how voters will react when they realize what he's proposing.
What really worries me is that his divisive rhetoric might actually work with some voters, but it comes at a huge cost - creating an environment of fear and mistrust, where people can't live their lives without being judged or stereotyped based on their faith or background.
That would be a disaster! Michigan needs leaders who care about its communities, not ones who try to tear them apart. I hope voters see through Hudson's divisive rhetoric and remember that we're all in this together 
I mean, I've seen some crazy stuff in my life, but this takes the cake. And the fact that his campaign is using fear-mongering tactics to whip up support? Give me a break 
. I mean, where's the honesty? Where's the transparency? It's just more of the same old politics as usual 
his plan to cut funding for schools and police is gonna be the death of him tho, those are some basic human needs u can't just eliminate them like they're cookies from the cookie jar 
. The guy has no idea what's at stake here. He's basically saying that everyone who isn't a Republican doesn't deserve to live in Michigan or have access to basic services.
. And then someone comes along and paints a picture of fear and division? Give me a break! 
The fact that this guy's trying to whip up hysteria for some march that's just gonna be a bunch of folks marching in circles is so cringeworthy 
HE'S NOT EVEN MAKING SENSE - IF DEARBORN IS SUPPOSEDLY UNDER CONTROL OF ISLAMIC LEADERS, WHY IS HE NOT TALKING ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN VOTES IN THE CITY?! 
And his views on Sharia law are straight outta Twilight Zone 
sounds like a recipe for disaster 
or genius? Who knows, I'm torn 
.
. It's like he's playing the victim, saying that people are being too sensitive and he just wants to expose the truth