Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa (D) has pledged to introduce new safeguards for Texans affected by the rapid expansion of data centers, signaling a shift from the state's traditionally hands-off approach to economic development. In an interview Thursday night on CNN, Hinojosa said her administration will prioritize the interests of residents, particularly in rural areas where many of these facilities have been built.
“We have always been a pro-business state in Texas, but what changes now with me as governor is it has to be a partnership that benefits Texans,” Hinojosa said. “And right now, what has happened is data centers have moved into mostly rural communities, and there are no rules and laws to protect Texans, and Texans are being taken advantage of.”
Hinojosa, who defeated incumbent Greg Abbott (R) in a historic election that also saw Democratic gains down the ballot, said she will implement “laws to protect Texans” and will stop working with data center developers “until we have those protections.” She emphasized that economic growth and community welfare are not mutually exclusive.
“We can have a strong economy, strong industry, and protections for the people of Texas. Those things are not mutually exclusive, and I’ll make sure, as governor, I lead to ensure that that happens,” she said.
CNN host Jake Tapper sought to clarify her position, asking if she is open to data centers being built in Texas but with regulations in place. Hinojosa affirmed that communities should have a say in whether and how data centers are established. “And that communities have a seat at the table to decide if and how these data centers come into their communities. Texas is like a country. We are so diverse in all ways,” she said. “So, absolutely, we need to make sure they are partners in this effort, and that has always been my position. It is not that I hate data centers. I hate the way they are taking advantage of Texas, and that stops when I’m governor.”
During her campaign, Hinojosa adopted a populist stance on data centers, tapping into voter frustration with wealthy owners of these facilities. She previously vowed to impose a construction moratorium, which has created uncertainty for existing projects across the state.
Her stance has alarmed some Republicans. State Rep. Brian Harrison (R) has called on Abbott to curb Hinojosa's powers before she takes office, warning in a social media post that she should not have “unchecked emergency powers.” He argued that “the urgency is undeniable… and inaction is intolerable.”
Hinojosa’s victory, part of a broader Democratic wave that reshaped Texas politics, has raised expectations among progressives for a more interventionist state government. Her first press conference after the win is expected to outline her policy priorities. The Republican rout has been described by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) as “an a-- kicking.”
As she prepares to take office in January, Hinojosa’s commitment to balancing economic interests with community protections will be closely watched, especially by the technology sector and rural residents who have long sought relief from the impacts of rapid data center development.
