A Texas Republican Senate candidate is facing backlash after denouncing a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman in Sugar Land, Texas, calling it a “false statue of a false Hindu God” and insisting the United States is a Christian nation.
Alexander Duncan, a GOP leader running for the U.S. Senate, posted a video of the Statue of Union—unveiled in 2024 at the Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple—and wrote on X, “Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation.” In a follow-up post, he cited Bible verses from Exodus prohibiting idols and images.
The remarks quickly drew outrage. The Hindu American Foundation called the comments “anti-Hindu and inflammatory,” formally reporting the incident to the Texas Republican Party and demanding disciplinary action. “Will you be disciplining your Senate candidate who openly contravenes your own guidelines against discrimination—not to mention disrespect for the First Amendment?” the group asked in a post.
Critics online also reminded Duncan that the U.S. Constitution protects religious freedom. “Just because you’re not Hindu doesn’t make it false,” wrote one user, pointing out that Hindu scriptures predate Christianity by centuries and have influenced global spiritual traditions.
Unveiled last year, the Statue of Union is one of the tallest Hindu monuments in the United States and ranks as the third-tallest statue nationwide. Envisioned by Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji, it was celebrated as a symbol of cultural harmony.
Duncan’s remarks, however, have instead ignited debate over pluralism, religious tolerance, and the role of faith in American politics—casting a spotlight on how cultural symbols can become flashpoints in an election year.