Candidates in both parties are clashing over data center development and tax incentives ahead of Tuesday's primary elections.

The debate over data center construction has emerged as a central issue in the Kansas gubernatorial race, with candidates from both parties facing criticism over their past votes and current stances. As voters express concerns regarding utility costs and environmental impacts, contenders are using the topic to differentiate themselves in the final days before Tuesday’s primaries.

Republican Primary Conflicts

Republican businessman Philip Sarnecki has launched a campaign attacking state Senate President Ty Masterson, spending over $300,000 on ads that criticize Masterson for supporting 2025 legislation that granted 20-year tax breaks to data center developers. While Masterson maintains that local communities should decide on infrastructure projects, other Republican candidates, including Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, are calling for an outright moratorium on new construction.

Democratic Primary Divisions

Democratic state Sen. Cindy Holscher, who previously voted for the 2025 data center bill, is now calling for a moratorium on new projects. Her primary opponent, state Sen. Ethan Corson, who has the endorsement of Gov. Laura Kelly, continues to support development provided there are state-level guardrails regarding energy and water usage. Holscher’s shift has drawn criticism from labor leaders, while Corson emphasizes a local-first approach to facility siting.

Public Sentiment and Political Stakes

Kansas currently hosts nearly 40 data centers, with numerous proposals pending. Local opposition has surfaced in various cities, leading some, such as Topeka, to implement one-year moratoriums to study the impact of these developments. Political analysts note that the issue is blurring traditional party lines as candidates navigate voter anxiety over the industry’s potential effects on resources and utility bills.