Data centers: Where projects go, local candidates follow

Three open city council seats. Three candidates.

Faribault voters had it easier in 2022. 

To be fair to the southern Minnesota city, it was an uncharacteristic year for filings. At least five candidates had appeared on other council ballots between 2008 and 2024.

But none of those races compares to this year. Last Tuesday’s primary featured 10 candidates, and the crowded field couldn’t escape one key question leading up to election day: 

How do you feel about data centers? 

“It’s usually the first topic I’m asked about,” said Lexi Temple, one of a half-dozen candidates who advanced to November’s general election. “It’s by far the top priority.”

One of several Minnesota cities eyed as landing spots for hyperscale AI data centers, Faribault highlights how the issue is beginning to shape elections. It is spurring newcomers to run for office on &ldqu...