Primary interview series: Former lawmakers Sapik, Severson vie for GOP nomination in 25th SD primary
Two former Wisconsin lawmakers, Angie Sapik and Erik Severson, are competing for the GOP nomination in the 25th SD primary. Data center development has become a key issue, with Sapik suggesting a moratorium and Severson advocating for further study of impacts like electricity rates. An opposition group, Keep Polk County Rural, and the company Metered North are also mentioned in the context of the data center debate.
Angie Sapik and Erik Severson, both former members of the Wisconsin State Assembly, are vying for the Republican nomination in the 25th Senatorial District primary. Their differing perspectives on data center development have emerged as a significant issue in the campaign.
Sapik, who previously represented the 73rd Assembly District and is from Lake Nebagamon, described data centers as a "necessary evil" and suggested that a moratorium on their development might be required. She stressed the importance of careful location planning to prevent negative impacts on her constituents. Sapik's campaign also linked Severson to "data center money," pointing out that former GOP state Rep. Adam Jarchow, who serves as a lawyer for Metered North—a company advancing a data center project in the district—is also connected to "Keep Polk County Rural," an organization that funded mailers opposing Sapik.
Conversely, Severson, a doctor from Osceola, expressed reservations about supporting an immediate moratorium on data center development. Instead, he advocated for more comprehensive research into the potential effects of data centers, specifically noting high electricity rates as a major concern. Severson denied any affiliation with "Keep Polk County Rural" or receiving financial support from data centers, asserting his campaign's independence.