Billings area legislative race draws two write-in candidates
Two write-in candidates are challenging incumbent Sen. Daniel Zolnikov in a Montana legislative race, making opposition to a proposed data center project near Billings a central campaign issue. The challengers advocate for stricter controls or a ban on data centers due to concerns about water and energy use. Zolnikov, who supports the project for its economic benefits, points to ongoing legislative efforts to address these concerns through policy.
In Montana's Senate District 22, representing part of Billings, incumbent Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, who previously ran unopposed, is now facing two write-in candidates, Republican Elijah Tidswell and Democrat Cari Olson. The unexpected challenges stem primarily from significant public pushback against a data center project planned just north of Billings, making it a key issue in their campaigns.
Both Tidswell and Olson are actively campaigning against the data center development. Olson, in particular, advocates for a complete ban on data centers in the state, expressing concerns that politicians prioritize corporations over residents. Tidswell, an 'old-school Republican,' emphasized the need for government and elected officials to address the public's worries about these projects, particularly regarding their substantial water and energy consumption.
Sen. Zolnikov, who chairs the Energy and Technology Interim Committee, supports data center development, including the project proposed by Quantica near Billings. He argues that such projects bring millions in investment, provide crucial infrastructure upgrades, and allow Montana to export a new product: data. Zolnikov previously worked for Broad Reach Power, a former holding company for assets that became Quantica, but states he has no current affiliation or financial benefits from the project. He acknowledges the concerns about water and energy use but believes they can be managed through policy, citing ongoing work by his interim committee on water rights and a new rate class for large energy consumers.
The senator views the emergence of two opponents over data center debates as a sign that the issue has gained significant traction, potentially benefiting consumer protection legislation if he remains in office. This legislative race highlights the growing political and public debate surrounding data center development in Montana.