2 sitting GOP lawmakers battle each other in Utah Senate primary
Two Republican lawmakers in Utah are competing in a primary election, with their differing stances on data center development becoming a key campaign point. One candidate emphasizes transparency in the development process, while the other opposes taxpayer incentives for data centers. This discussion comes amidst significant public opposition to a proposed data center in Box Elder County.
Senator Dan McCay and Representative Doug Fiefia, both sitting Republican lawmakers in Utah, are contending for the same seat in Senate District 18, which encompasses parts of Salt Lake and Utah counties. McCay, citing his seniority and experience since 2012, emphasizes his conservative track record and efforts to cut taxes, totaling $1.5 billion. Fiefia, who has served in the Utah House since last year and has a background in the tech sector, advocates for fresh ideas and a greater understanding of technology in the Legislature, notably bringing actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt to the Capitol to support an AI regulation bill that ultimately failed.
The primary race highlights their differing views on data center development, a salient issue given recent public opposition to a proposed data center in Box Elder County backed by Kevin O’Leary. Fiefia supports data centers that offer a "true net benefit" but stresses the need for more transparent development processes, criticizing the lack of legislative awareness regarding the Box Elder project until it became national news. McCay, while acknowledging the need for innovation, opposes offering taxpayer incentives for data centers, particularly those built "in a desert," questioning if such perks truly serve the public. Both candidates are campaigning vigorously ahead of the June 24 primary, with the winner facing Democrat Dane Anderson in the general election.