Spokane Candidates Will Debate Data Center Policy
Luc Jasmin and Natalie Poulson are competing to represent the 3rd Legislative District in the 2026 General Election.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Data Centers
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Candidates Luc Jasmin and Natalie Poulson are shaping their platforms for the fall 2026 General Election in the 3rd Legislative District. The race highlights contrasting views on data center regulation and tax relief for Spokane Complex Fire victims.
Why it matters
The outcome will determine local policy regarding how data centers are regulated and how fire victims receive state-level financial assistance. The district represents a critical area for regional infrastructure and legislative priorities.
Luc Jasmin proposes requiring data centers to seek local official approval, while Natalie Poulson focuses on preventing energy costs from being shifted to ratepayers. Both policies aim to address the rapid development of local technical infrastructure.
The players
Luc Jasmin
He currently serves as the Eastern Washington liaison for Governor Bob Ferguson.
Natalie Poulson
She is an educator who was previously fired by Spokane Public Schools for her stance on COVID-19 mask mandates.
The details
Luc Jasmin, the Eastern Washington liaison for Governor Bob Ferguson, supports moratoriums on data centers to study environmental impacts. Conversely, educator Natalie Poulson advocates for a state sales tax freeze to assist those affected by the Spokane Complex Fire.
Timeline
The General Election for the 3rd Legislative District seat will take place in fall 2026.
The Tech Race
These debates reflect a growing push in the Pacific Northwest to formalize regulatory frameworks for hyperscale data centers. The shift moves away from rapid, unregulated deployment toward stricter local oversight and burden-sharing mandates.
Residents may see changes in local energy costs and infrastructure development depending on which regulatory framework is adopted. Voters in the 3rd Legislative District will directly determine the policy path for future tech expansion and disaster relief efforts.
The takeaway
Voters will decide between a path of moratoriums and local approval or energy-cost protections regarding new data centers. Understanding these positions is essential for residents concerned about utility rates and disaster recovery in Spokane.
Further reading
Learn more about local infrastructure trends at the Data Centers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Spokesman Review.
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