Mark Newgent, a Republican candidate running for the U.S. Congress in Texas’s 3rd District, recently urged Democrats to vote for him in the Republican primary during a forum held at the East Plano Islamic Center. His remarks were met with condemnation from his opponent, Rep. Keith Self, who is the incumbent Republican representative for the same district.
“Any so-called Republican who encourages Democrats to vote in a Republican primary is completely out of touch and just serving his own ambitions,” Self told The Dallas Express. “My opponent is a California Democrat bought and paid for by EPIC City developers.”
Self Slams Newgent for Openly Inviting Democrats to Hijack GOP Primary
Newgent joined a primary candidate forum at the EPIC mosque with other candidates on February 9. As The Dallas Express previously reported, EPIC is planning a massive Islamic city in rural Collin County called EPIC City – now renamed to “The Meadow.”
Newgent is challenging Self in the Republican primary for Texas’ 3rd Congressional District, which covers much of Collin County. Meanwhile, Democrat Evan Hunt – who also joined the forum – is running uncontested.
Texas has open primaries without party registration requirements.
“If you like Evan Hunt over there, it’s okay, but he’s not on the ballot until November. So Democrats can vote in the Republican primary,” Newgent said. “When you go to vote for a Democrat/Republican, grab the Republican piece of paper, and write ‘Mark Newgent’ right there. Then if you like Evan, you can vote for him in November.”
“That’s your only chance to get rid of Keith Self, period,” Newgent added. “You don’t have to register as a Republican. It’s an open primary, so if you’re a Democrat, you go in to vote, pick up a Republican paper. That’s it. And vote Keith Self out.”
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently launched an investigation into EPIC City for potential discrimination, as The Dallas Express reported. Attorney General Ken Paxton also sued the municipal utility district overseeing the project, alleging a secret meeting.
Self is a prominent critic of EPIC City. He recently launched the Sharia-Free America Caucus, alongside Texas legislators like Republican Reps. Brandon Gill and Chip Roy.
“I am confident that Republicans will turn out in big numbers on March 3 to support conservative candidates and ban Sharia in Texas by voting for Proposition 10 at the bottom of the ballot,” Self said to DX.
Newgent Campaign Fires Back
A Newgent campaign spokesperson told The Dallas Express he is a “proud Texas First Republican and conservative” who served for 20 years in the Army.
Newgent previously lived in California, where he ran for Irvine City Council as recently as 2020. Now, he and his family live in McKinney, according to his website. Newgent is a retired Army captain.
“Similar to when Donald Trump invited Muslims in Dearborn, Michigan, to support Republicans in the last presidential election, Mark’s statements were geared toward encouraging Muslims, who are overwhelmingly Democrats, to vote for him in the primary and join the Republican Party,” Newgent’s campaign spokesperson told The Dallas Express.
The spokesperson claimed Self had turned on EPIC congregants.
“He is now promoting anti-Muslim rhetoric. Keith Self is the epitome of a two-faced, lying politician,” the spokesperson continued.“Anyone who is willing to lie, betray, and cheat one group is lying, betraying, and cheating the rest of us.”
Newgent: ‘Pro-Palestinian Running as a Republican’
Before the EPIC forum, a volunteer was passing out Newgent’s fliers and marketing him as a “pro-Palestinian running as a Republican.”
“As-salamu alaykum,” Newgent opened. “It is an honor and privilege to be here speaking at this masjid.”
Newgent targeted Self in his remarks, calling the legislator “the most prominent promoter of anti-Muslim hate in Congress.”
When the moderator asked candidates for their stances on Israel, Newgent offered his opinion.
“I believe when I’m in Congress, it’s going to be very easy,” he said. “No AIPAC, no Israel, and no evil.”
