Data Centers
Gubernatorial Candidates Split on Data Center Policy in 2026
September 18, 2026 | Morgan Scarboro
Thirty-six gubernatorial races in November 2026 feature candidates with widely varying positions on data center policy, with most supporting expansion paired with increased regulations or local control. Sixteen states have at least one gubernatorial candidate calling for a temporary data center moratorium, though the scope and duration of proposed pauses vary considerably by candidate. Fewer than ten candidates across all races are pledging full support for data centers without additional regulatory conditions or community oversight requirements. Gubernatorial positions on data centers show few clear partisan or regional patterns, with candidates from the same party often taking opposing stances on expansion and regulation.
