U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) urged Denton County Republicans to stay politically engaged ahead of the November election during a Faith, Family & Freedom event held as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration.
Denton County GOP Chair Melinda Preston hosted the July 2 event at Lucky Spur Ranch in Justin, and Jacquez Jones emceed. Gill served as one of the featured speakers.
Gill, who represents Texas’ 26th Congressional District, used his remarks to connect the nation’s founding to the political fights facing voters in 2026.
Federal spending in focus
Gill highlighted his work in Congress, including recent efforts to examine what he described as waste, fraud, and abuse in federal spending.
“Recently we have done some work evaluating waste, fraud and abuse,” Gill told attendees.
Gill pointed to a June 25 House Oversight subcommittee hearing on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, where lawmakers questioned witnesses about program integrity and taxpayer spending.
One exchange during the hearing focused on whether SNAP benefits should cover sugary sodas.
“I don’t think you guys should be paying for other people’s Coca-Colas,” Gill said.
Warning on Democrats
Gill also warned that Democrats elected in heavily Democratic districts can still influence the national direction of the party.
Gill pointed to a New York Democrat while arguing that Democrats in deep-blue areas can help push the national party further left.
“These new Democrats are further to the left,” Gill said.
He cited immigration, law enforcement, and criminal justice as areas where he argued Democrats have moved further left.
“We had a Democrat from New York who publicly said that she believes we should give amnesty to illegal aliens who have been deported. That’s insane,” Gill said.
Gill argued that those candidates and officeholders can help shape party priorities when Democrats control government.
“Those are the people who are calling the shots when Democrats get in power,” Gill said. “Those are the people who are setting the Democrat agenda.”
Gill also criticized state Rep. James Talarico (D-District 50), arguing that he and other Democrats support policies that would hurt Texans.
“It’s not just that they are weirdos, like Talarico, who is a weirdo, but these are people who will promote policies that will make life for everyone in this room materially worse,” Gill said.
Sharia comments
Gill also warned attendees about what he described as the “Islamification of America,” citing polling he said showed support for Sharia law among some Muslims in the United States.
“Thirty-nine percent of Muslims in the United States today, according to a poll that was just done right after October 7th, believe that Sharia law should be implemented in the United States,” Gill said. “Those are the ones who admitted.”
Polling data from J.L. Partners conducted for The Heritage Foundation showed 39% support for Sharia law among Muslim respondents, including 25% who strongly supported it and 14% who somewhat supported it.
Gill has previously raised concerns about Islamic migration and its effect on North Texas communities in an exclusive interview with The Dallas Express.
The event came as Republicans in Denton County and across Texas prepare for the November 3 general election.
