Talarico thinks local revolt against data centers will help him turn Texas blue
Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico is making opposition to data centers a central part of his campaign in Texas, aiming to attract rural and suburban voters. Texans are expressing growing backlash due to concerns over rising utility bills, housing shortages, and a lack of local input on data center development. Polls indicate significant statewide opposition to new data center construction.
Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico is actively campaigning on the issue of data center opposition, believing it can help him win over rural and suburban voters in Texas, a state that has not elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994. Talarico highlights public outrage over data centers' impact on utility bills and housing costs, citing a Zillow report that rents in Abilene, a data center hub, have increased by $825 since last August.
A University of Texas/Texas Politics Project Poll shows 56% of Texans oppose data center construction in their communities, with opposition rising to 60% among suburban and 62% among rural voters. Talarico advocates for tighter regulations on data center companies and granting local communities the authority to approve or reject development. At a roundtable in Abilene, residents voiced concerns about data centers, including the "Stargate Project," contributing to a housing shortage.
His opponent, Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton, has largely remained silent on data center policy, though his spokeswoman Madison Cercy indicated a policy plan would be released soon, focusing on protecting Texas families, water, and the grid. Paxton has received over $400,000 from pro-AI executives and PACs. While acknowledging the issue's complexity, Paxton previously noted the tension between technological development and protecting local community rights.
Abilene residents, including Democrat Christina Gonzalez and lifelong Republican Shannon Wilkins, expressed deep personal concerns about rising rents and utility bills, attributing a part of the economic squeeze to data centers. Both noted strong community anger and a desire for change, suggesting the issue is mobilizing voters across party lines.