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Texans Unite Against Data Centers in Midterm Race

Texas voters are rallying against the rapid growth of data centers, a key issue in the state's upcoming midterm elections. A coalition called We the People Texas, led by NAACP president Gary Bledsoe, claims to represent up to 1 million voters and has joined groups across the political spectrum to halt or slow new data‑center projects. An August poll found 57 % of Texans oppose construction, with 43 % of Republicans, 75 % of Democrats and 54 % of independents saying no. Local battles include plans in Taylor to build a center on a former park, resistance in Temple that has sparked recall attempts, and San Marcos becoming the first Texas city to ban data centers outright. The controversy has forced candidates in the governor’s race - Republican Greg Abbott versus Democrat Gina Hinojosa - and the Senate contest between Ken Paxton and James Talarico to distance themselves from the industry. Grassroots groups such as Save Rural Texas, co‑founded by Jet Parker, have trained communities to block projects and warned that continued support for data centers could cost Republicans the state. The debate underscores the broader concerns over water use, tax subsidies and new power plants needed to feed the expanding tech infrastructure.

· The Verge

The essential points

  1. 01Texas voters show 57% opposition to data centers, cutting across party lines.
  2. 02Coalition 'We the People Texas' claims to represent up to 1 million voters.
  3. 03San Marcos became the first Texas city to ban data centers, while Taylor and Temple face active opposition.
  4. 04Republican and Democratic candidates, including Gov. Greg Abbott, are distancing themselves from the industry amid the midterm
The full brief

Texas voters are rallying against the rapid growth of data centers, a key issue in the state's upcoming midterm elections. A coalition called We the People Texas, led by NAACP president Gary Bledsoe, claims to represent up to 1 million voters and has joined groups across the political spectrum to halt or slow new data‑center projects. An August poll found 57 % of Texans oppose construction, with 43 % of Republicans, 75 % of Democrats and 54 % of independents saying no.

Local battles include plans in Taylor to build a center on a former park, resistance in Temple that has sparked recall attempts, and San Marcos becoming the first Texas city to ban data centers outright. The controversy has forced candidates in the governor’s race - Republican Greg Abbott versus Democrat Gina Hinojosa - and the Senate contest between Ken Paxton and James Talarico to distance themselves from the industry. Grassroots groups such as Save Rural Texas, co‑founded by Jet Parker, have trained communities to block projects and warned that continued support for data centers could cost Republicans the state.

The debate underscores the broader concerns over water use, tax subsidies and new power plants needed to feed the expanding tech infrastructure.