Kansas Politics: Data Center PAC Backs GOP Candidate

A new super PAC dedicated to supporting data centers has committed $1.5 million to the Kansas governor's race.

Building the Future, the group behind the expenditure, is an offshoot of the pro-AI super PAC Leading the Future. The organization was formed in August by Build American AI, a nonprofit that coordinates political spending for the industry. In that same month, the group announced a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign targeting Kansas, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The PAC stated it would support candidates who advocate for policies that protect water resources, prevent electricity rate hikes, and maintain American leadership in artificial intelligence.

The spending supports Kansas State Senator Ty Masterson, the Republican nominee for governor. A person familiar with the funds said the money will go toward his campaign. Masterson previously voted for a 2025 state law that grants sales tax exemptions to data center investments. He has opposed moratoriums on new construction projects. The Democratic challenger, Kristi Holscher, also voted for the tax exemption law but has since called for a statewide pause on data center development.

The New York Times reported earlier on Monday that Building the Future will also spend approximately $1.5 million on advertising in South Carolina. That spending will support Republican Senator Darline Graham, who is running for re-election. Graham has framed data center growth as a national security issue while supporting local control over construction. Her opponent, Democrat Annie Andrews, has proposed a moratorium on new projects and refers to Graham as “Data Center Darline.”

Holscher responded to the PAC's involvement in a statement on Monday. She described Masterson as a “stooge for Big Tech” who wants to place data centers in every cornfield. She argued that Masterson will provide tax breaks to billionaire CEOs while increasing costs for residents. Holscher said she will continue to fight for guardrails on the industry and put Kansans first. Masterson did not provide immediate comment regarding the new financial support.

The Cook Political Report lists the Kansas gubernatorial race as leaning Republican. It is one of the few governorships currently held by Democrats that Republicans are positioned to win this fall. The state is also hosting a competitive Senate race between Republican Roger Marshall and Democratic pastor Adam Hamilton.