A backlash against AI data centers is becoming a central issue in Texas ahead of the 2026 midterm election, giving Democrats who favor stronger regulation hope of winning statewide for the first time since 1994. The issue is shaping the governor’s race between incumbent Republican Greg Abbott and Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa, as well as the Senate contest between GOP Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico, which is neck and neck. A Texas Politics Project poll conducted in August found that 57% of Texas voters opposed having a data center in their community, including 43% of Republicans, 54% of independents and 60% of rural voters.