Meta Eyes Governor's Support for Texas Data Centers
Meta's president says a newly elected governor asked to meet about keeping data center investments in their state, as Texas lawmakers weigh restrictions.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Data Centers
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Meta President Dina Powell McCormick said a newly elected governor, whom she did not name, requested a meeting to keep data center investment in their state. The remarks came in a Wall Street Journal interview at a technology conference.
Why it matters
Data center siting decisions bring jobs and tax revenue to host communities, and states are increasingly debating whether to restrict or accelerate them. Powell McCormick said the tech industry has not done a good job explaining the benefits of these investments to states.
Meta is building a $10 billion data center campus in El Paso and already operates facilities in Temple and Fort Worth, with the Temple site operational since July. Texas ranks second nationally in total data centers, behind Virginia.
The players
Dina Powell McCormick
Dina Powell McCormick is the president of Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, overseeing its government and policy relations.
Gina Hinojosa
Gina Hinojosa is a Texas Democrat who has called for a statewide moratorium on fast-tracked data center approvals in the state.
Greg Abbott
Greg Abbott is the outgoing Republican governor of Texas, whose office oversees state economic and infrastructure policy.
The details
Powell McCormick revealed the governor-elect's request during a sit-down interview with the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday. Separately, Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa has called on outgoing Gov. Greg Abbott to impose a statewide moratorium on fast-tracked Texas data center approvals.
Timeline
Wednesday (November 2026): Powell McCormick gives the Wall Street Journal interview at a technology conference.
July 2026: Meta's Temple, Texas data center goes operational.
Jan. 12, 2027: Texas state lawmakers are set to reconvene.
The Tech Race
Texas now ranks second nationally in total data centers, trailing only Virginia, which has long led the country in facilities. The contest between states to host these facilities is now shaping how governors and lawmakers weigh jobs against restrictions.
Data center construction can bring construction and permanent jobs to host communities, but local residents may also see changes in power demand and infrastructure. Whether new restrictions are enacted will shape where and how quickly these facilities are built.
The takeaway
States competing for data center investment are weighing economic gains against local concerns, and the outcome will influence where future infrastructure is built. Readers tracking the issue should watch the Texas legislature when it reconvenes in January.
What happens next
Texas state lawmakers are set to reconvene on Jan. 12, 2027, when data center restrictions could come up for debate.
Further reading
For broader context on infrastructure buildouts, see Data Centers coverage.
Live Poll
Should your community welcome new data centers despite concerns about power and water use?
