Rep. Jay Dean, Fantasha Allen share thoughts on data centers in Texas House District 7 race

Rep. Jay Dean, Fantasha Allen share thoughts on data centers in Texas House District 7 race

News ClipKLTV.com·Longview, Gregg County, TX·10/14/2026

Texas House District 7 candidates Jay Dean and Fantasha Allen discussed data center development during their campaign. Dean said construction is already advancing and suggested companies build their own power plants, while Allen said local residents should decide whether data centers are built and raised concerns about electricity costs and water use.

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Gov: Texas House District 7

Incumbent Republican state Rep. Jay Dean and Democratic nominee Fantasha Allen addressed data center development during the Texas House District 7 race. Dean said the growth of data center construction was already well underway and criticized companies for failing to explain their operations to the public. He also said he supports data center operators building their own power plants to meet their electricity needs.

Allen said decisions about data centers should be left to residents in the affected counties. She cited concerns that projects could reduce available water and increase electricity bills, particularly for East Texas residents already facing financial pressure. District 7 includes Gregg, Harrison and Marion counties.