From Texastribune · · 3m
Greg Abbott Rakes $9M from Data Center Donors
Texas governor Greg Abbott received $9 million from data center industry donors since July 2025, sparking political tensions.
In brief
Texas governor Greg Abbott received $9 million from data center industry donors since July 2025, sparking political tensions. Texas Governor Greg Abbott raised $9 million from data center-related donors since July 2025, fueling political backlash over his stance on the industry. Originally reported by Texastribune.
Governor Abbott's Data Center Push
In June 2025, Governor Greg Abbott issued regulatory recommendations to end a major tax break for data centers.
Donors Pour $1.5M into Campaign
Data center-related donors gave Abbott’s campaign $1.5 million in the same month as his regulatory push.
Abbott Pauses Data Center Grid Connections
Two months later, Abbott paused data center approvals for connecting to the state’s electrical grid pending a statewide audit.
Data Centers 'Dug Their Own Grave'
Abbott called data centers 'dug their own grave' and 'got the backlash they deserve' for poor community buy-in.
Abbott Receives $2.8M from Donors
After pausing approvals, Abbott received another $2.8 million from data center-related donors, his biggest monthly haul.
Total Donations Since July 2025
Abbott has raised about $9 million from data center-related donors since July 2025, accounting for 13% of his total donations.
Direct Data Center Donors
Over half of Abbott’s $9 million came from people or companies that develop, own, or operate data centers.
Key Direct Donors
Rhett Bennett, CEO of Black Mountain, gave $1 million to Abbott since last July, while Toby Neugebauer contributed $100,000.
Indirect Data Center Donors
The other $4.1 million came from donors with indirect data center links, including AI-focused investments and data center services.
Jeff Yass's Investment Portfolio
Jeff Yass, a GOP megadonor, has stakes in Bytedance, Broadcom, and Alphabet, Inc, through his investment firm.
Major Donors Include Musk and Crow
Elon Musk and Harlan Crow, both active in conservative politics, gave $500,000 and $250,000 respectively to Abbott.
Gebbia's $1.5M Contribution
Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, a Tesla board member, contributed $1.5 million to Abbott.
Hinojosa Attacks Abbott's Data Center Ties
Gina Hinojosa accused Abbott of inviting data centers with rich tax breaks and taking millions in donations.
Hinojosa's $25,000 Donation
Hinojosa received only $25,000 from T-Mobile’s chief operating officer, the only data center-related donation since July.
Lt. Gov. Patrick's $1.6M
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick received over $1.6 million from data center-related donors, mostly indirect ties.
Patrick's Data Center Focus
Patrick directed committees to study data centers’ electricity demands and evaluate sales tax exemptions.
Comptroller Huffines' $1M
Comptroller Don Huffines received about $1 million from data center-related donors with indirect links.
Huffines' Campaign Stance
Huffines supports Abbott’s moratorium and believes local communities should have a say in data center siting.
Data Center Donors' Influence
Data center donors are expected to keep funding Abbott despite his policy actions, ensuring his political influence.
The big picture
Texas Governor Greg Abbott raised $9 million from data center-related donors since July 2025, fueling political backlash over his stance on the industry.
