Syed, Hills Address Property Taxes, Affordability, Data Center Growth In 26th State Senate Race
Illinois Senate candidates Nabeela Syed and Darby Hills discussed the rapid expansion of data centers in the 26th Senate District. They raised concerns about transparency, local oversight, water and electricity use, and potential impacts on electricity prices, while supporting continued data center development with stronger safeguards.
Illinois State Rep. Nabeela Syed and state Sen. Darby Hills, candidates in the 26th State Senate District, addressed data center growth as part of a broader discussion about property taxes and affordability. Hills said several data centers are located in the district and argued that local governments need greater transparency and public notice when considering new facilities.
The candidates distinguished between large artificial intelligence data centers, which typically consume more water and electricity, and smaller facilities common in Chicago's Northwest suburbs. Syed said she is participating in a House working group focused on data center legislation and would monitor water and electricity use. Hills cited concerns about electricity costs, noting that a ComEd power auction saw higher prices amid expected demand growth linked largely to data centers.