Democrats seize on AI data center backlash that’s dividing rural Republicans in places like Texas

Democrats are leveraging rural opposition to energy-intensive data centers powering AI as a political issue in Texas and other states, with candidates like Gina Hinojosa highlighting concerns over water use, land loss, and corporate secrecy. The backlash is influencing statewide races, including challenges to Republican incumbents in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, as communities unite against data center projects over pollution and resource fears.