Guest opinion: What Wisconsin’s Democratic primary reveals about data center politics
The Democratic primary for governor of Wisconsin saw data center development become a defining issue, with candidate Francesca Hong advocating for a moratorium on new AI data centers. David Crowley, who ultimately won the primary, supported data center construction that provides community benefits. The article analyzes the election results and suggests public opinion on data centers is more complex than a simple for-or-against stance.
The recent Democratic primary for governor in Wisconsin highlighted data center development as a central campaign issue. State Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, made a moratorium on new AI data center construction a key part of her platform. In contrast, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who ultimately won the primary by a narrow margin, advocated for data center growth while ensuring real benefits for local communities.
The article frames the election as more than just a proxy war between party factions; it was a statewide contest where data centers became a defining topic. It questions why a seemingly popular anti-data center position, championed by Hong, did not translate into electoral success. The authors, Rob Smith and Devan Patel of the Joseph Rainey Center for Public Policy, suggest that voters' views on data centers are more nuanced than a simple binary debate.
National polling referenced in the article indicates a general unfavorable view of data centers among registered voters (29% favorable to 48% unfavorable). However, a closer look reveals ideological differences, with "very liberal voters" showing the most intense opposition. Conversely, Black voters were found to be the most favorable demographic (36% favorable to 30% unfavorable), suggesting that a widespread "revolt" against data centers, as presumed by a moratorium, may not align with broader public sentiment.