Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton rolled out a four-point plan Monday aimed at placing new restrictions on data centers if he is elected to the U.S. Senate, joining a growing number of Republican candidates pushing back against the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Paxton pledged to “fiercely advocate” for Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s state-level data center agenda while sponsoring or supporting several pieces of federal legislation targeting the sprawling facilities.
One proposed measure would prohibit Chinese technology from being used to power data centers. Paxton also said he would seek to hold developers criminally responsible if their infrastructure “empowers AI chatbots that undermine children’s safety.”
The Republican Senate candidate additionally promised to co-sponsor the Decentralized Access to Technology Alternatives Act, legislation introduced by Republican Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton.
Cotton’s bill would exempt new off-grid electricity providers from certain federal regulations. The proposal is intended to prevent data centers from driving up electricity prices for ordinary consumers as demand from the rapidly expanding facilities increases.
“My Texas First Data Center Plan will protect our grid, our communities, and our children while ensuring America beats Communist China in the AI race,” Paxton wrote in a post on X. “Texas First. Always.”
Paxton is running against Democratic nominee James Talarico for a Texas Senate seat in a competitive contest. The Cook Political Report recently shifted its rating of the race to “toss-up.”
Data center development has emerged as an increasingly prominent issue during the midterm elections, with Americans becoming more cautious about efforts to rapidly construct additional server warehouses needed to support AI development.
The growing public concern has led several Republican candidates to adopt tougher positions on data centers, even as President Donald Trump continues to support the nationwide build-out.
Former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, the GOP Senate nominee in Michigan, announced last week that he wants a one-year moratorium on new data center construction in the state.
Republican Stacy Garrity, who is running for governor of Pennsylvania, has called for a “pause” on data center development. Garrity has also criticized incumbent Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro over his previous support for those projects.
Texas has already taken steps to impose new limits on the industry. Abbott announced a series of restrictions in June and directed the state’s utility and its regulator to take action intended to reduce the economic consequences for Texas residents.
The governor also pledged to work alongside the Texas Legislature to require the use of water-efficient technologies and eliminate existing incentives for data centers.
Earlier this month, Abbott went further by announcing a moratorium on new data center approvals while the state conducts an audit.
Paxton’s proposal would bring elements of that state-level crackdown to Washington. His plan combines protections for Texas electricity customers with restrictions involving China, children’s safety and the continued development of American AI technology.
The announcement places Paxton among Republicans seeking to balance support for American leadership in artificial intelligence with concerns about the effects large data centers may have on local communities, water supplies and electricity costs.
[READ MORE: Abbott Battles Minnesota Over Extradition of ICE Officer Charged in Minneapolis Shooting]
