Data center industry contributes thousands to Paxton campaign
The data center industry has contributed significantly to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's campaign as Hood County awaits his office's ruling on its authority to impose a data center moratorium. This comes amidst growing resident opposition, state-level discussions on data center regulation, and a directive from Gov. Abbott halting new data center connections to the power grid pending review.
The data center industry has made substantial financial contributions, totaling at least $448,000, to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's Senate campaign. This support comes as Hood County is awaiting a ruling from Paxton's office on its authority to impose a moratorium on data center development, following significant resident opposition regarding water consumption, traffic, noise, and rural character impacts. Paxton's campaign stated his focus is on protecting Texas families, water, and the electrical grid.
Meanwhile, James Talarico, Paxton's Democratic opponent, has called for increased regulation of data centers and proposed an "AI dividend." In Hood County, despite months of tension and resident pushback, the concept plan for the Comanche Circle data center development was approved in June. Nearby Somervell County commissioners unanimously passed a resolution opposing new data centers and urged lawmakers for more regulation.
Further statewide impact was seen with Governor Greg Abbott's recent directive, which announced a pause on new data center connections to the Texas power grid until state regulators complete a thorough review of their energy and water usage and community impacts. Brian Crawford, a local resident near the Comanche Circle project, noted that the industry's donations to Paxton's campaign align with the perceived lack of responsiveness on data center issues. Black Mountain Energy Storage, whose vice president made donations to PACs associated with Paxton, is also developing a data center in Fort Worth.