Texas Senate contenders clash over data-center boom and AI resource strain

In the tightly watched Texas Senate race, Attorney General Ken Paxton released a four-point strategy aimed at regulating the surge of data centers that power artificial-intelligence workloads, citing one outlet security and community protection. His proposal calls for two Senate bills to bar Chinese equipment from data-center use, create criminal penalties for AI platforms that threaten children, and co-sponsor the DATA Act to promote independent power generation.

Paxton also supports Governor Greg Abbott’s recent order that temporarily halts roughly 1,800 data-center projects and requires detailed disclosures on energy and water use. Democratic challenger James Talarico responded with a state-level plan to repeal tax exemptions, force data centers to cover all grid-connection expenses, enforce 100 % water-recycling systems, and empower municipalities to veto projects. Both candidates have been accused of taking money from data-center interests, with Paxton reportedly receiving nearly $500,000 in donations and Talarico’s campaign benefiting from contributions through his Lone Star Rising PAC, including support from LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman.