Wisconsin Democrats are confronting a significant public backlash against the proliferation of data centers, a trend that is influencing the state's gubernatorial primary. Polling data indicates a steep increase in opposition to these facilities among the party's voters and the electorate at large.
According to Marquette Law School polling, the perception that the costs of data centers outweigh their benefits has surged among Wisconsin Democrats, rising from 56% in October of last year to 88% in the most recent survey. Among all Wisconsin voters, this sentiment has grown from 55% to 76%.
Francesca Hong, a candidate in the race, has capitalized on this sentiment, advocating for a statewide moratorium on data centers under the slogan "Control-Alt-Delete." This policy position appears to be a significant factor in her unexpected strength heading into the election.
In contrast, David Crowley, another candidate, has adopted a more nuanced but still skeptical stance. Crowley has stated that "all data centers are not all created equal" and emphasized the need to ensure these facilities fully cover their energy and infrastructure costs. He also proposed that data centers should subsidize energy users across the state.
Crowley, who had planned to be on vacation, has returned to the gubernatorial race, with moderate Democrats viewing him as their most viable option to counter Hong's progressive platform.