Majority of Texans oppose data centers in their community, according to new poll
A recent poll revealed that 56% of Texans oppose data center construction in their communities, with rural and suburban residents showing the strongest opposition. This comes as state leaders, including Gov. Greg Abbott, are scrutinizing data centers' water and energy usage and pushing for new regulations.
A new poll conducted by The Texas Politics Project from June 5–12, 2026, surveyed 1,200 voters and found that 56% of Texans oppose data centers being built in their communities, with 42% strongly opposed. Conversely, 29% supported data center construction. Opposition was highest in rural areas (62%) and suburban communities (60%), while urban areas showed less opposition (45%) and more support (36%).
The findings indicate a partisan divide, with Democrats (71%) and independent voters (62%) more likely to oppose data centers, while Republicans were more split (44% opposed, 42% supported).
This poll emerges amidst growing community pushback against new data center developments and state leaders questioning their transparency regarding water and energy consumption. Earlier this month, Gov. Greg Abbott called for new guidelines and regulations concerning data center construction and operation across Texas.