Texas is the fastest-growing US data center market, and the political sweep may close the door: Abbott halted data center permits on Sept 21, and governor-elect Hinojosa campaigned on a moratorium. Fo

What happened: Democrats won the Texas Senate and governor races and took control of the Texas House for the first time in 24 years. James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa made data centers a central campaign issue, and Hinojosa pushed for a full moratorium. Key numbers: Stargate Frontier in Shackelford County is projected at 1,820 Why it matters: Industry panelists expect existing projects to slow and new ones to be halted, adding to anxiety that the AI buildout could stall as banks and lenders get pickier. Local officials and construction unions may resist sweeping state restrictions.

Democrats won the Texas Senate and governor races and took control of the Texas House for the first time in 24 years. James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa made data centers a central campaign issue, and Hinojosa pushed for a full moratorium.

Industry panelists expect existing projects to slow and new ones to be halted, adding to anxiety that the AI buildout could stall as banks and lenders get pickier. Local officials and construction unions may resist sweeping state restrictions.