Texas data center backlash could flip the state blue in 2026 midterms

A Texas Politics Project poll found 57% of Texas voters oppose a data center in their community, including 43% of Republicans. Democrats have made data center regulation central to their campaigns against Greg Abbott and Ken Paxton, giving the party a chance to win statewide for the first time since 1994.

• 57% of Texas voters oppose a data center in their community, including 43% of Republicans
• Democrats could win statewide in Texas for the first time since 1994 amid the backlash
• Residents cite water use, noise, light pollution and rising utility costs
• Trump backs data center development while Republicans lack a unified stance