Wisconsin candidates defend local choice as Trump advocates for data center development
Former President Donald Trump advocated for data center development, stating rejection leads to economic decline. In contrast, Wisconsin's gubernatorial candidates, David Crowley and Tom Tiffany, emphasize local communities' right to decide on data center projects and propose specific restrictions on developers. Polling indicates strong and bipartisan voter opposition to data centers in Wisconsin.
Former President Donald Trump recently expressed strong support for data center development, arguing that communities rejecting such projects risk becoming "backwards and poor" while embracing them leads to prosperity, lower taxes, and jobs. His remarks, posted on Truth Social, urged communities to "let Data Reign."
This stance sharply contrasts with the views of the two leading candidates for Wisconsin's next governor: Democrat Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany. Both candidates have voiced support for local control over data center construction, asserting that communities should not be forced to host developments they do not want. Neither candidate, however, has advocated for a complete ban on data centers.
Crowley's campaign platform supports allowing local communities to impose strict restrictions on data center developers. These include a ban on non-disclosure agreements, a mandate for 100% renewable energy sourcing, and requirements for developers to cover all infrastructure and grid upgrade costs. Tiffany also backs a ban on non-disclosure agreements and calls for an end to tax subsidies for data center developments but disagrees with Crowley's renewable energy mandate, citing concerns about farmland impact. The discussion comes as data centers face increasing unpopularity in Wisconsin, with a Marquette Law School poll showing 78% of voters believe costs outweigh benefits, and over two-thirds support a construction ban for at least one year.