Texas Republicans Turn Against Data Centers

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and other Republicans are calling for new restrictions on data centers. Facing a growing public backlash over rising utility costs, officials are breaking with the party's pro-AI agenda ahead of elections.

Xurve View
Insights:
FILE PHOTO: The steel frame of data centers under construction during a tour of the OpenAI data center in Abilene, Texas, U.S., September 23, 2025. REUTERS/Shelby Tauber/Pool/File Photo

Republican candidates in at least five states are proposing new restrictions on data centers, challenging the pro-AI agenda of the United States leadership. The populist push creates a new political fault line ahead of the November midterm elections.