Republican candidates in at least five states, including Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, are adopting tougher positions on data centers as local opposition grows ahead of the November elections. The shift puts Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton at odds with U.S. President Donald Trump’s pro-AI agenda. Texas has spent years attracting technology investment, but an August Texas Politics Project poll found only 30% of respondents would support a data center in their community. Abbott is seeking broader regulations, the repeal of construction tax incentives and limits on rural development, while an August 3 state audit has effectively paused approvals for new grid connections. Paxton has also proposed an AI plan aimed at preserving U.S. competitiveness while addressing data centers’ negative effects. The backlash reflects concerns over electricity and water costs, light pollution, jobs, tax revenue and public incentives. Technology companies are responding with more than $300 million in midterm spending, advertising and targeted political donations, but analysts say bipartisan resistance will be difficult to reverse.