# 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.
- Title: Greg Abbott Rakes $9M from Data Center Donors · Texastribune
- Summary: Texas governor Greg Abbott received $9 million from data center industry donors since July 2025, sparking political tensions. Texas Governor Greg Abbott…
- Keywords: greg abbott, data center donors, texas, political donations, data centers, election cycle, tax breaks, regulatory recommendations, data center industry, texas legislature, political tensions, gina hinojosa
- Source: Texastribune — https://feeds.texastribune.org/link/16799/17500622/greg-abbott-data-center-donors-texas
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: greg abbott, data center donors, texas, political donations, data centers, election cycle, tax breaks, regulatory recommendations, data center industry, texas legislature, political tensions, gina hinojosa
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Texas Governor Greg Abbott raised $9 million from data center-related donors since July 2025, fueling political backlash over his stance on the industry.