By Basant El-Faramawy
A new pro-data center super PAC, Building the Future, is investing more than $1.5 million to support Republican Kansas State Senator Ty Masterson in his bid for governor. The group is an offshoot of Leading the Future, a prominent pro-AI super PAC backed by major industry players.
Strategic Political Spending
In addition to the Kansas gubernatorial race, Building the Future is reportedly set to spend approximately $1.5 million on advertising to support Republican Senator Darline Graham in the South Carolina Senate race. This follows a broader effort by the Leading the Future network to promote policies favorable to data center growth through multi-million dollar campaigns in states including Kansas, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Focus on AI Infrastructure and Policy
The political group aims to back candidates who support policies intended to preserve water resources and prevent electricity rate hikes, while simultaneously ensuring American leadership in artificial intelligence and job creation. The push comes as the rapid expansion of data centers required for the AI boom becomes a central issue for voters nationwide.
Political Friction Over Data Centers
The spending has drawn sharp criticism from opponents. In Kansas, Democratic candidate Holscher criticized Masterson, labeling him a representative of Big Tech interests. While Masterson has defended legislation providing sales tax exemptions for data center investments, Holscher has called for a statewide moratorium on such developments. Similarly, in South Carolina, Democratic candidate Annie Andrews has called for a moratorium, contrasting with Graham's stance that these investments are essential for national security.
