Pennsylvania governor race heats up over data center stances
In Pennsylvania's gubernatorial race, Republican Stacy Garrity and Democrat Josh Shapiro are trading attack ads over data center development. Garrity criticizes Shapiro's past support for Amazon data centers, while Shapiro calls her the state's top data center fan. Both have recently distanced themselves from earlier positions.
The data center dispute marks a notable reversal for both candidates, as each previously voiced support for the industry's expansion in Pennsylvania. Garrity had praised Shapiro's 2025 Fast Track permitting program, which facilitated Amazon's $20 billion investment in two facilities, while Shapiro's August executive order now requires developers to cover their own electricity costs and obtain local approval. Garrity's earlier remarks welcoming data centers in rural counties included a caveat about not forcing them on communities.
Public sentiment has shifted sharply against these facilities, with a July Fox News poll showing 70 percent of voters oppose data center construction in their areas. The issue has become potent enough that canvassers in other swing states report voters changing party affiliation over it, prompting both Pennsylvania candidates to adopt more cautious positions ahead of the election.
This race reflects a broader political realignment as data center development becomes a flashpoint in swing states. Voters concerned about electricity costs, environmental impacts, and community disruption could influence how candidates position themselves on technology infrastructure. The issue may reshape traditional party coalitions, as both progressive and conservative voters express skepticism toward corporate development, potentially affecting turnout and electoral outcomes in closely contested states.