Texas U.S. Senate 2026: data centers — what the two major candidates said
Data centers became a campaign issue in Texas in September 2026. Below are Ken Paxton’s words and James Talarico’s reported position, both from the same Houston Chronicle report. Our collection holds no statement by Libertarian candidate Ted Brown on this topic.
- ““This is a yes with conditions,” he told the council’s president, Javier Palomarez, outlining restrictions like preventing data centers from using the electric grid and potentially raising rates for others, along with requiring data centers to recycle their own water so they don’t exacerbate water issues in other areas. “It can’t be a no, because we won’t survive that. China will have a huge advantage over us in artificial intelligence and they will use that to dominate us.”” — Houston Chronicle — “Ken Paxton clarifies support for data centers: 'This is a yes with conditions'” · published Sep 28, 2026
- “His Democratic challenger, James Talarico, has joined the chorus of voices in Texas calling for a pause and for tighter restrictions. The plan he released in July mirrors Abbott’s.” — Houston Chronicle — “Ken Paxton clarifies support for data centers: 'This is a yes with conditions'” · published Sep 28, 2026