Where the candidates for governor stand on data center construction

The upcoming Wisconsin gubernatorial election is heavily influenced by the contentious boom in data center construction across the state. A recent statewide poll reveals that almost 70% of Wisconsin voters believe the costs associated with data centers outweigh their benefits, indicating strong public opposition regardless of political affiliation. Among the eight candidates vying for governor, Democratic contenders Francesca Hong, a state lawmaker, and Joel Brennan, former Department of Administration secretary, have advocated for an immediate, statewide pause on data center construction. Their rationale is to allow the Legislature time to enact robust regulations, ensure community control, promote investment in alternative energy, and eliminate corporate subsidies. Brennan specifically noted his intent to implement "guardrails" early in his administration. Other candidates, including Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and Democrats Mandela Barnes (former Lt. Gov.), Sara Rodriguez (Lt. Gov.), David Crowley (Milwaukee County Executive), state Sen. Kelda Roys, and former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Secretary Missy Hughes, also support increased regulation. Key proposals include giving local residents veto power over projects, preventing rising utility costs for residents, ending subsidies like sales tax exemptions and tax increment financing for data centers, and banning the purchase of productive farmland for these facilities. Tiffany, in particular, emphasized ending all subsidies and ensuring companies bear energy costs. Barnes clarified his position to support a statewide study on environmental and utility impacts before new projects, rather than a broad construction pause. The issue has drawn national attention, with President Donald Trump supporting data center developments as an economic boon while acknowledging public backlash over utility costs. He brokered a "ratepayer protection pledge" with major AI producers like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Oracle, where companies agreed to provide or buy their own power in exchange for faster permitting. In Wisconsin, tech giants like Microsoft and Meta are actively constructing large data centers. State lawmakers have also begun addressing the issue, with one regulatory bill passing the Assembly but stalling in the Senate, mirroring similar legislative efforts, such as a recently passed year-long freeze on data center construction in Maine.