Election 2026 Data Centers

Justin Rex - FR171750 AP
Jul 22, 2026
Jul 22, 2026 Updated Jul 23, 2026

The site of a future data center being built near Abernathy, Texas, Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Hale County, Texas.
Justin Rex - FR171750 AP

As featured on

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

Democratic Texas governor's race nominee Gina Hinojosa is focusing on artificial intelligence data centers as a key issue in her campaign against Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. AI data centers are causing concern in rural areas due to their impact on land, water and local life. This issue is resonating in other states like Arizona and Ohio. In Texas, data centers are rapidly expanding while both Democrats and Republicans voice opposition. Abbott has promised to regulate data centers. But critics say Abbott's actions lack urgency. The AI data center controversy could influence the upcoming election.

Trump expands a voluntary pledge to protect consumers from high utility bills from AI data centers

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Thursday had governors and electricity companies…

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
9 PM PDT SATURDAY FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR THE SIERRA
FRONT...

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR THE
SIERRA FRONT...

* CHANGES...Added overnight recoveries to the humidity section.

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zone 420 Northern Sierra Front
including Carson City, Douglas, Storey, Southern Washoe,
Western Lyon, and Far Southern Lassen Counties.

* Winds...West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* Humidity...Afternoon minimums of 8 to 14 percent Friday through
Sunday. Overnight recoveries 25 to 45 percent each night through
Monday morning.

* Duration...3 to 6 hours each afternoon Friday through Sunday.

* Impacts...The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can
cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first
responders can contain them.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry
vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires.
Follow local fire restrictions. Check weather.gov/reno for
updates and livingwithfire.info for preparedness tips.

&&

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
9 PM PDT SATURDAY FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR THE SIERRA
FRONT...

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR THE
SIERRA FRONT...

* CHANGES...Added overnight recoveries to the humidity section.

* Affected Area...Fire Weather Zone 420 Northern Sierra Front
including Carson City, Douglas, Storey, Southern Washoe,
Western Lyon, and Far Southern Lassen Counties.

* Winds...West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* Humidity...Afternoon minimums of 8 to 14 percent Friday through
Sunday. Overnight recoveries 25 to 45 percent each night through
Monday morning.

* Duration...3 to 6 hours each afternoon Friday through Sunday.

* Impacts...The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can
cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first
responders can contain them.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry
vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires.
Follow local fire restrictions. Check weather.gov/reno for
updates and livingwithfire.info for preparedness tips.

&&

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