Virginia anti-data center activists linked to Marxist-Leninist Party amid election bids

Local Virginia activists opposing data centers, including candidates for office, have ties to the Party for Socialism and Liberation, a Marxist-Leninist group.

Virginia’s data-center boom has sparked resistance over rising power demand, water consumption and noise, especially in the state’s northern corridor. A group called Protect Frederick, composed of local residents, has gathered signatures to oppose new facilities, and three of its members—Frederick County Board candidate Alexander Ritter, Winchester activist Klio Stroubakis and organizer Jack Tensile—are also connected to the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL).

The PSL describes its goal as dismantling the capitalist system and establishing a socialist economy, and it has previously blocked billions in AI infrastructure projects in several states. While the activists claim their anti-data-center stance is non-partisan and focused on local impacts, they have faced questions about their PSL ties, which they have not fully clarified. The PSL’s presence on social media has highlighted the protests, but the activists argue that industry developers, not the PSL, drive the controversy. No comment was received from the PSL, the Department of Justice or the individuals when approached for comment.