Data centers spark debate in Ohio's toss-up governor's race
Data centers have become a significant issue in Ohio’s competitive governor’s race, with debate focused on their electricity and water consumption and who should pay for related infrastructure. Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton have both addressed the industry, while voters express concerns about projects affecting rural communities and utility ratepayers.
The growth of data centers has moved from a technology issue to a major political topic in Ohio’s toss-up governor’s race. Ohio has about 240 data centers and is among the leading states for such facilities, prompting concerns about electricity demand, water use and the costs passed on to ratepayers.
Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has expressed support for the industry while calling for data center operators to pay for the resources and infrastructure they use. Democratic candidate Amy Acton has argued that utility customers should not bear those costs. The issue is drawing attention from rural voters who say they were not adequately informed about planned developments, while analysts say opposition to data centers is attracting support across party lines.