Data Center Development Becomes Key Issue in Texas Gubernatorial Race and Other Statewide Campaigns
Data center development, particularly in Texas, is becoming a significant political issue, influencing gubernatorial and other statewide campaigns. Concerns over energy consumption, water usage, and lack of local control are galvanizing bipartisan opposition. Texas Governor Greg Abbott is facing pressure to impose regulations, while his challenger Gina Hinojosa has made it a key campaign topic.
The rapid growth of data centers, especially those powering artificial intelligence, has emerged as a critical political issue in Texas and across other states like Arizona, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
In Texas, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa is using public anger over data centers' perceived threats to rural life, ranchland, and dwindling water supplies to challenge Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. Hinojosa describes the situation as the "Wild West of data centers," criticizing their lack of regulation and impact on communities. Opponents across the political spectrum express concerns about secrecy, air, noise, water, and light pollution, rising electric bills, and the loss of open spaces and farmland.
Governor Abbott, who previously advocated for large tech projects, has recently acknowledged the division data centers are causing within his base. He ordered regulators to address potential electricity bill increases and promised a legislative agenda to impose regulations, including possibly removing tax breaks and preventing construction in "rural Texas neighborhoods." Critics, including Hinojosa, dismiss these statements as insincere and lacking urgency.
Opposition extends beyond Texas, with Ohio's Democratic Senate nominee Sherrod Brown attacking Republican John Husted over data centers, and a statewide referendum proposed to ban their construction. In Wisconsin, gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong pledges to "stop AI data centers." Even in Pennsylvania, Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro faces scrutiny for being too welcoming to tech companies. Ranchers and county commissioners in Texas also voice concerns about water consumption and the potential for data centers to exacerbate drought conditions, highlighting the bipartisan nature of the opposition.