Nov. 3 Election Guide: Meet the 5th Congressional District candidates
Candidates for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District shared differing views on data center development in a WWNO/WRKF election questionnaire. Most candidates supported development if companies pay infrastructure costs and address power and water impacts, while Austin Magee opposed additional construction and emphasized local control.
WWNO/WRKF surveyed candidates for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District on data centers, artificial intelligence, energy, coastal restoration and other issues. Misti Cordell cited Richland Parish as an example of data center development producing jobs, tax revenue and community benefits, while Michael Echols said Louisiana should regulate projects to address legitimate power and water concerns without losing their economic potential.
Gabe Firment similarly argued that technology companies should pay for the electricity and infrastructure they require and avoid shifting costs onto households and small businesses. Austin Magee opposed new data center construction in Louisiana and said affected communities should have the final say. The article presents candidate positions rather than reporting a new project, permit or government decision.