Data center backlash could cost Republicans votes in Florida governor's race
In Florida's governor race, Republican nominee Byron Donalds backs data center development, while Democrat David Jolly promises a one-year moratorium. Polling shows 68 percent of residents oppose such facilities in their communities.
Data center construction has become an issue that may cost Republican nominee Byron Donalds votes in Florida's gubernatorial election, including from members of his own party. Donalds has the endorsement of President Donald Trump, while his Democratic opponent is David Jolly, a former congressman who left the Republican Party in 2018. Polls suggest the race is closer than expected.
Diverging positions
Jolly has pledged a one-year moratorium on data center projects. He cites air and noise pollution, health effects for people living near the facilities' on-site power plants, water use, and the rapid pace of artificial intelligence, which could leave facilities built today functionally obsolete within a decade. He has nicknamed his rival "Data Center Donalds."
In August, Donalds said no bans were coming and that he wants to welcome the tech industry to Florida. He has since softened his stance, noting that his running mate, state Sen. Bryan Ávila, sponsored a bill requiring new data centers to pay their fair share for water and electricity. Donalds also stresses that permits are issued by local governments, not the governor. His campaign did not respond to The Verge's request for comment.
Voter sentiment
Patti Zirhut, a lifelong Republican from Hernando County who voted for Trump three times, says she will not vote for Donalds and is considering Jolly. In Polk County, Raul Alfonso, chair of Watchdogs of Fort Meade, a group fighting a $2.6 billion data center project, says the group received only a form letter from Donalds and from current Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Donalds holds significant advantages: $148 million in campaign funds against Jolly's $22 million, and nearly 2 million more registered Republicans than Democrats in the state. A University of North Florida poll put Jolly just two points behind, within the 2.8 percent margin of error. If Jolly wins, he would be the first Democratic governor Florida has elected in 28 years. Still, voters' main concern remains the cost of living.
