Democratic candidates denounce Donalds for data center contributions
Democratic candidates Victor Arias and Phillip Carter criticized Byron Donalds in Cape Coral over campaign contributions from companies linked to data centers. They warned that data centers could increase electricity costs, threaten water quality and harm Florida’s environment, while calling for a moratorium on new facilities.
Democratic congressional candidate Victor Arias and Florida House candidate Phillip Carter held a press conference near Rep. Byron Donalds’ Cape Coral office, accusing the Republican gubernatorial candidate of being too closely aligned with companies connected to data center construction and infrastructure. Judy Freiberg, president of the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida, also participated in the event.
The candidates cited concerns about data centers’ electricity consumption, potential effects on utility bills, water quality, land use and environmental resources. They pointed to a proposed data center site in DeSoto County that has reportedly expanded from 34 acres to more than 800 acres. Arias and Carter called for a moratorium on data centers, while gubernatorial candidate David Jolly has pledged to seek a moratorium on hyperscale facilities if elected. Donalds’ office and campaign did not respond to requests for comment.