# Greg Abbott’s AI push sparks backlash from his own conservative base > Source: > Published: 2026-07-23 14:46:24+00:00 # Greg Abbott’s AI push sparks backlash from his own conservative base - Massive AI data centers are sparking a significant political backlash across rural Texas, becoming a major issue in the upcoming governor's race. - Residents fear these energy- and water-intensive facilities will lead to higher electricity bills, depleted water resources, and the loss of agricultural land. - The controversy is creating an unusual challenge for Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who initially supported AI expansion but is now facing criticism from his rural conservative base. - Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa has capitalized on the public's anger, criticizing the lack of regulation and secrecy surrounding data center projects. - The opposition to AI infrastructure is spreading beyond Texas to other states like Ohio, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, cutting across traditional political lines.