RECAP: Gina Hinojosa Connects with Red Oak Residents Furious About Data Centers 

Hinojosa met with Republicans, Independents, and Democrats, all standing together to oppose data centers threatening their community

Austin, TX – Yesterday, Democratic nominee for Texas Governor Gina Hinojosa held a press conference in Red Oak after meeting with dozens of residents about the threat of seven data centers encroaching on their community. The events were held at the home of a Red Oak family, whose land – filled with horses, sheep, and goats – directly borders where Diode Ventures plans to build an 800-acre, 900 MW hyperscale data center campus. The 800-acre project is one of several hyperscale data centers being built in the area.

“I’m proud to stand with residents in this community,” Hinojosa said. “We are in the definition of a rural community, with the school right down the street. It’s beautiful here – and their peace is about to be violated. They got no notice about what was happening. This is a violation of our rights, our property rights as Texans. And we have no protections in the law right now.”

“This is a nonpartisan issue,” said Jazmin Villegas, whose land borders Diode’s data center plans. “Whether you’re a Republican or Democrat, be selfish and vote for the way that is going to impact your life. Look at our leaders to see who is actually capable of leading, who is actually here, showing up to represent us here, showing up to protect us and our rights.”

Hinojosa added, Texans are “tired of politicians who are doing the bidding of moneyed interests instead of the people of Texas. I will be a governor who works for the people of Texas – for Republican Texans, for Democratic Texans, for Independents, for all Texans. Because I am Texan, and we need representation that works for us.”

In July, Hinojosa called on Greg Abbott to call a special session to create real laws to protect Texans, whose land, water, electricity, and livelihoods are being threatened by data centers owned by global corporations – because Texans need a seat at the table to decide if and how data centers come into their communities.

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