LUBBOCK — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller expressed on Thursday that he believes the Republican Party may face setbacks in some statewide elections this year due to the contentious issue of data centers, which has ignited debate across Texas.
In a recent interview, Miller criticized Governor Greg Abbott for what he perceives as a lack of action regarding data center development in the state.
The outgoing Republican official emphasized that the issue transcends party lines, although he refrained from disclosing his voting intentions for the upcoming November elections. “I haven’t committed to anybody,” Miller stated. “There are some Republicans I may have to leave blank; I just can’t do it.”
Currently, Texas is home to over 300 operational data centers, with an analysis revealing at least 248 more projects in the pipeline. Recent polling indicates that a majority of Texans oppose the establishment of data centers within their communities.
<p"Republicans should be addressing this issue, and we’re not," Miller remarked. "The Democrats are engaging with it, and they are correct in their stance. While I’m not endorsing any Democrats, I believe we will lose some elections in the midterms because of this matter."
With the legislature not reconvening until January and new laws not set to take effect until September, Miller suggested that Abbott is stalling to allow data center companies to consolidate their control over the market.
“He’s given a wink and a nod to his data center allies, suggesting, ‘Hey, you have plenty of time to get grandfathered in, then we’ll tighten the screws on all your competition,’” Miller claimed.
In January, Abbott endorsed Nate Sheets, who later won the Republican primary against Miller. Sheets has largely remained silent on the matter of data centers, whereas Democratic candidate Clayton Tucker has vocally opposed their expansion, actively participating in community events centered on the issue. Both Miller and Tucker spoke at a data center forum in June.
Miller has emerged as a prominent critic of data centers among statewide officials. Earlier this year, he collaborated with U.S. Representative Pete Sessions to announce a federal initiative aimed at promoting legislation for Agriculture Freedom Zones across the nation, which would offer tax incentives for data centers, solar farms, and cryptocurrency mining operations on non-agricultural land.
While Miller does not oppose data centers outright, he advocates for a more prudent approach to their development and resource consumption. He has repeatedly reached out to Abbott, requesting a one-year moratorium, a special session, and the return of political donations from data center firms, but has received no response.
“I haven’t heard from him,” Miller remarked. “It’s not unusual; over our 12 years in office, I’ve never had a meeting with him, nor have I received a returned phone call or email. Just crickets.”
In response, Abbott’s press secretary Andrew Mahaleris stated, “I’m not going to respond to Sid, but it’s evident that Governor Abbott has taken significant actions regarding data centers. I would refer you to those actions.”
Recently, Abbott has initiated steps to regulate data center construction. Last month, he called for a halt on approvals for data centers seeking to connect to the state grid until an audit is completed. He also plans to advocate for the Legislature to eliminate a multibillion-dollar sales tax exemption for data centers during the next session.
Historically, Abbott has welcomed data center development in Texas, previously declaring the state the epicenter of AI innovation. Miller, however, views Abbott’s recent measures as mere political tactics aimed at navigating the upcoming election. “After that, he can do whatever he pleases, indicating to his data center supporters that they will be fine,” Miller asserted.
Moreover, Miller noted that other statewide officials and candidates remain silent on the data center issue, intimidated by Abbott and his substantial campaign war chest as election season approaches. “They’re scared of Abbott; he’s a bully,” Miller stated. “He spent $5 million against me. They don’t want to incur his wrath, so they’re staying quiet, hoping to survive the general election.”
Miller continues to push for a special session dedicated to data centers, which he claims could be resolved within a week if it were the sole focus. Despite his calls for such sessions, including for redistricting and school vouchers, Abbott has resisted the need for one on data centers, with Miller suggesting that Abbott aims to postpone action until the legislative session resumes in January.
“He hasn’t really done anything,” Miller argued. “It’s all smoke and mirrors and campaign fluff designed to win votes. This isn’t about the people of Texas or safeguarding our grid, water, or land.”
