Data Centers a Hot Issue As Governor’s Race Takes Off
Data center policy has become a central issue in Wisconsin's gubernatorial race, with Republican Tom Tiffany and Democrat David Crowley debating their approaches. Both candidates oppose a moratorium on new data centers but support implementing various "guardrails," including local control, environmental protection, and reviewing tax incentives. Public opinion shows strong concern about the costs of data centers in the state.
The Wisconsin gubernatorial race between Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and Democratic nominee Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley features data center development as a key issue, reflecting significant public concern. While neither candidate supports a statewide moratorium on new data centers—a stance that contrasted with Crowley's primary opponent Francesca Hong—both agree on implementing "new guardrails."
Crowley advocates for stringent regulation of both existing and future data centers, emphasizing local community control over projects, protection of natural resources, and requiring companies to "bring your own clean energy." He also proposes contributions to Wisconsin's Focus on Energy fund and mandating union labor for construction. Tiffany, on the other hand, highlights protecting farmland and supports repealing a state tax credit for data centers, a point of divergence from Crowley, who favors a review of incentives rather than an automatic rollback.
Public sentiment, as indicated by a Marquette Law School poll, shows 73% of Wisconsinites believe data center costs outweigh their benefits. Tiffany's campaign has sought to characterize Crowley as "Data Center David Crowley," criticizing his past comments about Wisconsin becoming an "AI and data hub" and his campaign contributions from unions that also lobby on data center issues. Crowley's campaign counters by emphasizing his support for local communities having the final say on data center projects and holding developers accountable. The debate underscores the growing political and environmental scrutiny facing data center expansion in the state.