How Democrats used anger over data centers to flip red states

After Democratic operatives were surprised by James Talarico’s wide win across Texas’ 254 counties, Kaufman County stood out. Southeast of Dallas, the county is home to major data center projects that sparked backlash. Forney, its largest city, is already working to ban new data centers within city limits, and the pro-Talarico Lone Star Rising PAC targeted voters within five miles of proposed or approved projects in 55 counties. The PAC ran mail and digital ads blaming the Republican nominee, Attorney General Ken Paxton. Talarico won Kaufman County by 1 point and carried a 12-point statewide victory. With voters largely opposing new data centers—by about 3-to-1—GOP strategists warned Republicans may need a new approach for 2028.