Ballot Breakdown: West Texas senate candidates weigh in on data centers
Texas Senate District 28 candidates Charles Perry and Riley Rodriquez offered contrasting views on future data center development in West Texas. Rodriquez called for pausing new development and giving local governments more authority, while Perry said data center water concerns are often unsupported and highlighted infrastructure investments tied to projects.
The race for Texas Senate District 28 includes a debate over data center growth, water use, housing and infrastructure. Democratic challenger Riley Rodriquez said future development should be paused and that local communities should have greater control through city ordinances. He also argued that housing needs require immediate attention as construction activity and rising rents affect residents.
Republican incumbent Charles Perry, who chairs the Senate Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Committee, said expert testimony did not support many concerns about data center water consumption. Perry pointed to West Texas projects that are helping fund water infrastructure and housing, while acknowledging construction disruptions and rent pressures, including in Abilene. He expects lawmakers to consider multiple data center-related bills during the next legislative session, including issues involving power use.