Texas Governor Greg Abbott receives $9 million from data center donors

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has received approximately $9 million from data center-related donors since July 2025, accounting for roughly 13% of his total donations during that period. More than half of this amount, $4.9 million, came from individuals and companies that develop, own, or operate data centers.

This influx of capital follows Abbott’s recent regulatory actions regarding the industry. In June, he proposed ending major tax breaks for data centers, and in September, he directed the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to pause the permitting process for these facilities. However, an investigation by watchdog groups Public Citizen and FracTracker suggests the pause may not be effective.

While TCEQ officials stated that applications would not advance through the review process, a review of agency records indicates that the approval process has continued. The investigation found that the agency has issued preliminary-decision notices and continued reviewing applications for construction stormwater approvals, emission-limit certifications, and gas plant permits since the directive was issued.