Texas governor-elect Hinojosa says data-centre work must stop until laws protect Texans
In a CNN interview on Thursday she said she does not hate data centers and will work with Musk's companies on the state's terms; her platform calls for an immediate moratorium until lawmakers act, and the Nasdaq fell 5.52% that day.
Why it matters
Texas hosts major AI investment, including from Elon Musk's companies, so the governor-elect's stance matters beyond the state. Hinojosa, who unseated Greg Abbott on Tuesday, told CNN she is not against data centres but wants development to stop until laws protect residents; her platform calls for an immediate moratorium and criticises long tax breaks for big projects. CNN polling cited by Jake Tapper found 75% of Texans opposed data centres in their communities. Her remarks came on the day the Nasdaq fell 5.52%. Watch for the legislation she proposes and whether she acts before taking office.
Key facts
- Hinojosa beat Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday 3 Nov
- Spoke to CNN's Jake Tapper on Thursday 5 Nov
- "It is not that I hate data centers. I hate the way they are taking advantage of Texas"
- Platform calls for an immediate moratorium until lawmakers enact protections
- CNN polling cited by Tapper: 75% of Texans oppose data centers in their communities
- Nasdaq fell 5.52%, S&P 500 4.36% and Dow 3.44% on Thursday