Wisconsin governor race: Candidates mostly agree on data center guardrails | FOX6 News Milwaukee
The Wisconsin governor's race features surprising common ground between Democratic and Republican candidates, David Crowley and Tom Tiffany, on the need for data center guardrails. Both candidates agree on local control, banning non-disclosure agreements, and requiring data centers to pay for electrical grid upgrades. The issue is gaining prominence in campaign ads despite not being a top voter concern.
The Wisconsin governor's race has brought data centers to the forefront, with candidates largely agreeing on the need for "guardrails" for these facilities. Republican Tom Tiffany and Democrat David Crowley, current nominees for governor, have both expressed support for local control over data center development, opposing a statewide moratorium that was previously pitched by Francesca Hong.
The candidates also align on several policy points, including a ban on non-disclosure agreements between data center developers and local governments, and the requirement for data centers to fund their own electrical grid upgrades, rather than burdening taxpayers. While Tiffany advocates for no state subsidies, Crowley is open to some tax incentives if tied to income and state benefit. Both candidates have previously spoken positively about data centers, with Tiffany calling them "exciting new technology" and Crowley envisioning Wisconsin as a global data hub. The issue has become a point of contention in campaign ads, with each side accusing the other of being too close to data center interests, despite a Marquette Law School poll indicating it's not a top issue for most Wisconsin voters.