The Politicians Still Making The Case For Data Centers Th…

Data centers might be the boogeyman of the 2026 election. As anxiety about the impact of AI on the economy—and of hyperscaler facilities on local communities—ramps up, politicians on both sides of the aisle have distanced themselves from the industry.

But not everyone. Even as Americans express growing discomfort with data centers, some politicians are still making the case for these massive AI projects, arguing that they represent a promising economic opportunity or are necessary to ensure America’s competitiveness. Others are taking a more conditional approach, supporting development while insisting on local approval, protections for electricity customers, or other restrictions.

The divide doesn’t necessarily party lines. Nor is it always a simple question of support or opposition. In Maryland, for example, Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox is calling for a moratorium on hyperscale projects, while Democratic governor Wes Moore has established new requirements for developers, insisting that they “pay their own way.” Both candidates have previously supported measures encouraging the industry.

Fast Company identified a range of politicians who have championed data centers, either recently or during the current campaign. Some remain enthusiastic supporters of their expansion, while others are emphasizing stricter conditions as the backlash grows and the midterms draw closer. Still others have shifted their approach considerably. We reached out to every candidate’s office for comment.

Bruce Blakeman, Republican candidate for New York governor

Bruce Blakeman, who is challenging New York governor Kathy Hochul, might be one of the most vocal champions of data centers this campaign season. Blakeman, an attorney, argues that data centers represent a major economic opportunity for the state. “What people don’t understand is they hear that it requires a lot of energy. It does, but many of these developers are willing to put their own generation into those plants,” he told one outlet.

Blakeman has criticized Hochul’s executive order establishing a moratorium on permits for new hyperscale data centers, and has pledged to reverse it. At the same time, he’s said local communities should have a say in whether projects move forward. His enthusiasm for the industry has become a target of Hochul’s campaign attacks. “He wants fossil fuel generating factories spewing smoke everywhere,” Hochul said during a recent debate, “and he wants data centers using our rare farmland.”

Tommy Tuberville, Republican candidate for Alabama governor

Tommy Tuberville, a former football coach and current U.S. senator running for Alabama governor, has faced criticism for his evolving position on data centers.

At times, he’s suggested that, as a pro-business candidate, he’ll clear the way for data center construction throughout the state. “We’re looking at several other things we can do to bring money in; everybody brings up these data centers,” local media reported the candidate saying. “It’s one of the few ways that we can make millions of dollars for this state.” Tuberville has even suggested that China may be amping up anti-data center sentiment.

At the same time, Tuberville has proposed limits on the industry, including protections for electricity customers. He’s also argued that developers should pay for the infrastructure they require and that local communities should have a say in new projects. His Democratic opponent, Doug Jones, is advocating for a data center moratorium and has criticized Tuberville over stock trades involving companies with ties to the AI and data center industries. Financial disclosures document some of the investments at issue, although Tuberville has since divested from at least one of the companies.

Rick Jackson, Republican candidate for Georgia governor

Rick Jackson, a businessman running for Georgia governor, supports data center development but has emphasized local control over construction.

“If your community doesn’t want a data center, I’ll defend you from doing it. If you want one that has economic benefit to you, I’ll negotiate it personally to make sure you get the best bill,” he said just before a campaign event. He’s also suggested that there is a lot of “misinformation” about the negative aspects of data centers.

Notably, Jackson has faced questions about his investment in a data center project in Texas that’s drawn backlash. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that another AI deal, which Democrats have pounced on, includes a 15 percent stake that could be worth $75 million. The billionaire has defended the project as a passive investment in a project with the potential to raise property tax revenues in the area. Still, he’s running in a swing state, and his AI industry ties may prove influential in the outcome.

Treg Taylor, Republican candidate for Alaska governor

Treg Taylor, a former Alaska attorney general, has publicly called for embracing data centers, albeit with conditions. He’s argued that these facilities, as long as they generate their own energy, could potentially sell power to other customers while also creating jobs. “It doesn’t have to drive up costs if you do it correctly. It can produce a net savings to the ratepayers in Alaska,” Taylor has said, according to comments transcribed by the Alaska Beacon.

Dave Bronson and Josh Church, Republican candidates for Alaska governor and lieutenant governor

Dave Bronson, a former Anchorage mayor running for the same seat as Taylor, has also spoken favorably about data center development. While acknowledging potential downsides, including noise, electricity demand, and cooling challenges, he’s argued that there’s “a lot of money” in building these facilities, according to the Alaska Beacon. He’s also emphasized the importance of independent power generation and addressing environmental concerns.

Josh Church, who is running alongside Bronson as a candidate for lieutenant governor, tells Fast Company that data centers provide a national security benefit and help ensure the U.S. isn’t dependent on foreign technology. other campaigns throughout the country, the team argues that building data centers could help lower nearby energy rates.

“Alaska has historically struggled to attract manufacturing and other industries because of high energy costs and expensive shipping routes to market. Digital industries change that equation,” Church tells Fast Company. “With high-speed fiber optics and potentially satellite communications, Alaska can export digital products and services worldwide without the expense of physically transporting goods thousands of miles.”

Josh Shapiro, Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania governor

Governor Josh Shapiro, running for reelection in a swing state, has in recent months taken a tougher approach to data center development. In August, he signed an executive order imposing stricter requirements on proposed projects, including energy standards and local approval. The order also removed AI data centers from a state program designed to accelerate permitting.

“Governor Shapiro has taken bold action by enacting the strictest guardrails in the nation to hold data center developers accountable and protect Pennsylvania communities,” campaign spokesperson Manuel Bonder tells Fast Company in a statement. “The Governor has made clear he will not allow developers to bulldoze our Commonwealth, bully our communities, or drive up our utility bills – and he will continue to use his authority to protect Pennsylvanians.”

Still, this is a notable reversal for Shapiro, who once championed these projects. For example, he previously lauded and approved accelerated reviews for a $20 billion effort by Amazon to build data centers across the state, according to Spotlight PA. 

Jay Obernolte, Republican candidate for U.S. House, California

Rep. Jay Obernolte, running for reelection in California, has lauded data centers and suggested that they’re important for ensuring America remains the “global leader in AI.” His proposals have focused on the practical challenges of expanding data center infrastructure, including locating facilities closer to power plants and assessing the potential for liquid cooling, which could help address the heat produced by AI facilities.

Marsha Blackburn, Republican candidate for Tennessee governor

Marsha Blackburn, a longtime Tennessee senator now running for governor, has been an explicit supporter of data centers, calling for expanding nuclear power to support the industry’s growth. She’s also advocated for greater use of coal power more broadly. “Data centers are going to be a good and important part of Tennessee’s economic growth, but we’ve got to be thoughtful about their placement,” she said in a campaign video released earlier this summer.

That doesn’t mean the Republican senator wants them built everywhere. She’s fought plans to build a facility near the Nashville Zoo, and she recently told The Tennessean that data center development must balance innovation with responsible growth and “always serve the interests of Tennesseans first and foremost.”