Data centers could charge key Dem primary fight
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Democratic state Rep. Justin Pearson of Memphis in 2023. Photo: Seth Herald/Getty Images
Data centers could be a flashpoint in a closely watched primary in Tennessee as prominent activist and state lawmaker Justin Pearson (D) challenges incumbent Rep. Steve Cohen (D).
Why it matters: Whether in primaries or general election contests, the rapid growth of AI infrastructure is quickly rising on the political radar in the 2026 midterms and beyond.
- Pearson's been a prominent voice against the use of gas turbines to power an xAI supercomputing site in Memphis, citing air pollution in an already burdened area.
Driving the news: "I think it's going to be a significant part of our campaign, because this is a significant reality for my constituents right now," Pearson told reporters Friday on the sidelines of a Washington NAACP summit about data centers.
- "I represent one of the most polluted districts in the state of Tennessee and one of the most polluted areas in the United States of America, and having xAI data centers polluting using fossil fuels is contributing to the problem," the Memphis state lawmaker said.
The big picture: Last week's NAACP summit signaled how the longtime civil rights group is expanding its opposition to large AI data centers — or at least looking to ensure they don't add to existing strains.
What we're watching: One focus of the conference was launching plans to develop playbooks for local communities to fight data centers that pose environmental justice risks.
- Just one example: NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson said it's important for communities to look at what type of utility serves the area.
- "Will it be an investor-owned company? Will it be an electric cooperative or muni? All those three have different obligations, which gives different opportunities to push them to do something differently," he said during one session Friday.
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