LEE COUNTY, Fla. —
AI data centers have become a divisive issue in Florida’s District 19 congressional race, with candidates and residents voicing concerns about their effects on water, energy, and local communities.
Recent polls show that AI data centers are unpopular in Florida, with a September Fox News poll revealing that 71% of residents oppose having them in their communities. Democrats have criticized gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds for supporting AI data centers, while his opponent, David Jolly, has called for a temporary ban.
Judy Freiberg of the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida said, “AI data centers literally are threatening human habitat because they take our water and our energy.”
Freiberg also highlighted bipartisan opposition to data centers. “You will see people who love AOC and MAGA people arm in arm going into these city council meetings and complaining about data centers,” she said.
Victor Arias, the Democratic candidate for District 19, underscored the local importance of the issue. “This is not a Republican, Democratic or independent issue. This is an American issue and a Southwest Florida issue. This is a Lee County and Collier County issue and how it’s going to impact us,” Arias said.
Arias also challenged his Republican opponent, Jim Schwartzel, to debate the topic. “If he’s willing, I’d be more than happy to debate him, especially on this topic because it’s so impactful,” Arias said.
Schwartzel was unavailable for an on-camera interview but provided a statement. “American dominance in AI is critical to our national defense, and it’ll lead to breakthroughs in medicine,” he said.
He added, “But if a data center wants to come to Southwest Florida, it brings its own power and protects our water. Done right, it can lower our taxes and create jobs.”
Democrat David Jolly, running for governor, said that if elected, the first thing he would do is institute a moratorium on AI data centers being built in Florida.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.