New York City Progressive House Candidates Advocate for AI Data Center Moratorium
Progressive candidates in New York City House primaries, endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, have won their races. Among their policy proposals, Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez support a moratorium on AI data center construction, citing concerns over electricity bills and limited job creation. This aligns with the "AI Data Center Moratorium Act" proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
A trio of progressive Democrats, endorsed by far-left New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, secured victories in House primaries in New York City, drawing attention to their economic populist platform. In Manhattan and Brooklyn's 10th District, Brad Lander defeated incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman. Darializa Avila Chevalier won against Rep. Adriano Espaillat in New York's 13th District (upper Manhattan and the Bronx), and Claire Valdez beat Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in New York's 7th District.
Key proposals from Valdez and Chevalier, both democratic socialists, include a four-day work week, increased taxes on wealthy individuals, and a pause in the construction of AI data centers. Lander also supports wealth taxes, including the Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act and the Equal Tax Act. The call for an AI data center moratorium stems from critics' concerns that these projects drive up residential water and electricity bills while offering limited job gains.
The progressive candidates' stance on data centers aligns with the "AI Data Center Moratorium Act" proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, which aims to halt data center development until federal industry regulations are established. Goldman, Lander's opponent, had also signed onto this proposed act. The candidates also advocate for the PRO Act to strengthen labor unions.