ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Artificial intelligence and the rapid expansion of AI data centers are emerging as a major issue in the Republican runoff race for Congressional District 19.

During a debate aired on KTAB, Republican candidates Tom Sell and Abraham Enriquez both praised Donald Trump while discussing the future of artificial intelligence, energy production and economic growth in West

The candidates agreed that Texas is positioned to become a major hub for AI infrastructure as companies seek locations with ample land, electricity, and energy resources to power massive data centers.

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While both candidates supported AI investment, they approached the issue differently.

Sell focused much of his message on the local impact AI expansion could have on rural West Texas communities. He emphasized concerns about infrastructure, agriculture, water resources, and the growing energy demands of large-scale AI facilities.

Sell said economic growth must be balanced with the protection of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities that already rely heavily on the region’s resources.

Enriquez framed artificial intelligence more as a national-security and global-competition issue. He argued that Texas has an opportunity to become a national leader in AI development while helping the United States compete against countries like China in emerging technologies.

He also emphasized deregulation and expanded energy production as important factors in attracting future AI investment to Texas.

Both candidates agreed that energy production will play a critical role in determining where future AI centers are built, especially as the facilities require enormous amounts of electricity and water to operate.

Supporters of the projects say AI data centers could bring jobs, investment, and long-term economic growth to rural Texas communities.

Critics, however, continue to raise concerns about water consumption, environmental impacts, and additional strain on Texas’s power infrastructure.

As voters prepare to head back to the polls, the debate over artificial intelligence is becoming part of a much larger conversation about the future of West Texas and the industries that could shape the region for decades to come.

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