The Four Places Where the Midterms Will Decide the Fate of Data Centers

A facts-only brief, written by a local AI model from this article in The Wall Street Journal, October 26, 2026. It may contain mistakes, and it is not the article: the full story is at wsj.com.

Election outcomes in multiple states could lead to stricter regulations on data-center construction, as local and state officials move to limit the industry’s expansion. In Texas, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa intends to block new facility permits until lawmakers enact legislation protecting communities, a stance she argues is necessary because the current pause on approvals is insufficient.

Background

• Metrobloks executive Ernest Popescu cited growing investor anxiety over local moratoriums, referencing his own withdrawal from a Nashville project after such a measure was adopted.
• Both candidates in the Ohio governor’s race have committed to imposing tougher conditions on data-center approvals, with Democrat Amy Acton demanding a ban unless specific criteria are met.
• Michigan’s gubernatorial candidates, Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James, both support restricting the industry, though Benson advocates for stronger safeguards than James.
• In Georgia, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms seeks to suspend new projects to review energy usage and tax incentives, while Republican Rick Jackson defends the sector’s economic contributions.

Read the full article at wsj.com

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