Data centers take center stage in Garrity’s latest ad
AI data centers have become a key issue in Pennsylvania's race for governor, with State Treasurer Stacy Garrity launching an ad criticizing Gov. Josh Shapiro's stance. Both candidates have shifted their positions, now expressing skepticism about the impact of data centers and calling for guardrails or a pause in development. Public polls indicate growing opposition to data centers among Pennsylvanians.
The debate over AI data centers has entered Pennsylvania's gubernatorial race, with State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, the Republican candidate, releasing an ad on Friday criticizing Gov. Josh Shapiro. The ad, titled "Sold Us Out," accuses Shapiro of supporting data center development while accepting over $5 million in political contributions from out-of-state developers and individuals with ties to tech and AI.
Both Shapiro and Garrity have evolved their stances on data center development in Pennsylvania. Initially enthusiastic, both candidates are now skeptical of the industry's local impacts and advocate for either "responsible" development with "guardrails" (Shapiro's plan) or a complete "pause" on development (Garrity's proposal).
A recent Quinnipiac University poll highlighted the issue's growing importance among Pennsylvania voters, ranking AI data centers as the 10th-highest issue in the gubernatorial race, with 42% considering it important. The poll also showed a significant increase in opposition, with 74% of voters now saying they would oppose building an AI data center in their community, up from 68% in February. Only 24% approve of Shapiro’s handling of AI data centers, while 34% disapprove.