Iowa gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn calls for eliminating data center tax breaks

News Clip0:28KWQC News·IA·10/7/2026

Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn criticized tax incentives for data centers during a debate. He said Iowa should prioritize homegrown businesses and eliminate data center tax breaks.

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Gov: Iowa Economic Development Authority

During a gubernatorial debate hosted by KWQC, Republican candidate Zach Lahn said Iowa's economic development strategy should focus on businesses based in the state rather than large out-of-state projects. He specifically criticized data centers, arguing that they do not create enough jobs relative to the incentives they receive.

Lahn said he would eliminate tax breaks for data centers and direct economic development resources toward Iowa-based companies. The remarks were presented as part of a broader discussion about economic growth and the role of the Iowa Economic Development Authority.