In Arkansas, growing concerns about data centers are sparking local backlash, with several communities taking measures to restrict or block their construction. Unlike states such as Ohio and Texas, where data center politics have significantly influenced midterm races, the issue has not gained similar traction in Arkansas’s gubernatorial or congressional campaigns.
Jay Barth, a professor emeritus of politics at Hendrix College, suggested that the lack of resources for Democratic campaigns may have contributed to this trend. “It is interesting that there has not been more engagement on that issue,” Barth stated, noting that a more active campaign presence might have brought data centers into sharper political focus.
As major tech companies race to develop artificial intelligence, data center construction has accelerated in Arkansas. This development has raised community concerns about energy consumption, water use, and job creation promises linked to these facilities.
A poll conducted in August by Talk Business & Politics and Hendrix College revealed that over half of likely voters in the 2nd Congressional District oppose data centers in their communities, with an additional 19% somewhat opposed. The poll’s margin of error was ±4.7 percentage points.
The sentiment against data centers reflects broader national trends, according to Robert Coon, a strategist for Republican campaigns. He indicated that while the opposition is bipartisan, engagement on the issue has been more pronounced among Democrats. For example, Hallie Shoffner, the Democratic challenger to U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, has criticized Cotton’s stance on data centers and expressed her intent to serve on the Senate Energy Committee to address these concerns. Her campaign visits included Clarksville, where a $6.6 billion data center is currently under development.
Data center debate has also emerged in local races, including the state legislature. Debra Hobbs, a former Republican representative running as an independent, has targeted her opponent’s support for tax incentives related to data centers. In contrast, incumbent Republican Rep. Aaron Pilkington has endorsed data center projects and currently heads the Arkansas Connected Communities Association, an organization advocating for data centers and AI.
Local issues have prompted significant actions, such as the effort led by former circuit and appeals court Judge Wendell Griffen, the Democratic nominee for Pulaski County’s executive position. He actively pushed for land-use regulations in response to community opposition against a proposed data center. His effectiveness in rallying community support has brought the issue to the forefront in local campaigning.
Griffen voiced his opinions at public meetings and utilized social media to advocate for regulations, including sharing an independent analysis generated by an AI model. His stance has been supported by widespread community concern over data centers, even prompting calls for the removal of some city council members in Conway due to their handling of local data center proposals.
In the Little Rock mayoral race, candidate B.J. Wyrick has drawn attention to surveillance cameras linked to data centers through a social media campaign, highlighting the growing intersection of technology and local governance.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has expressed support for data centers, balancing her position with calls for state-level regulations on AI. In August, Democratic challenger Fred Love proposed a non-binding resolution for a statewide moratorium on data centers, but it has yet to be voted on.
As local backlash persists, Barth predicts discussions surrounding data center legislation will continue into the next legislative session, focusing on issues related to utility costs and local control.
