Five Gubernatorial Candidates Discuss AI Data Center Rules at Press Forum
Five gubernatorial candidates outlined their AI data center regulation plans at a Michigan Press Association forum while three frontrunners skipped the East Lansing event.
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN — Five candidates for Michigan governor shared their views on regulating artificial intelligence data centers during a forum Thursday hosted by the Michigan Press Association at its annual conference, as notable frontrunners skipped the event.
The forum at the Kellogg Conference Center featured Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, the sole Democrat in attendance, along with four Republican candidates: state Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, former Attorney General Mike Cox, businessman Perry Johnson, and pastor Ralph Rebandt. The event was moderated by Craig Mauger of The Detroit News.
Three prominent candidates did not participate: John James, Jocelyn Benson, and Mike Duggan, who are considered frontrunners in the race. Former Republican state House Speaker Tom Leonard dropped out of the gubernatorial race Thursday morning and also did not attend.
Data Center Opposition Growing
The candidates addressed questions about the rising opposition to data centers across Michigan, which has united rural conservative Republicans and urban progressive Democrats in organized resistance to new facilities. Michigan Advance asked the candidates about potential regulations and whether they would support banning new data center construction entirely.
State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt expressed skepticism toward technology companies seeking government incentives for data center projects. “This is a challenge for Michigan. We should be open for business, but not for sale,” Nesbitt said during the forum.
“What does that mean? We have here in the state of Michigan some hollowed out urban core. .. You look at these hollowed out cites; how do we get investment and growth back? The first thing with these big tech companies is, I don’t trust them. They have plenty of money. The government shouldn’t be subsidizing,” Nesbitt stated.
Additional Forum Topics
Beyond data center regulations, the candidates fielded questions on press freedom, transparent government operations, and potential federal oversight of Michigan elections. Nesbitt has previously called for federal intervention in the state’s electoral processes, according to previous reporting.
The forum concluded with questions from journalists in attendance, allowing for broader discussion of issues facing the state. The Michigan Press Association’s annual conference provides a platform for political candidates to address media representatives and outline their policy positions.
Primary Race Developments
With Leonard’s withdrawal from the Republican primary Thursday morning, the field has narrowed as candidates work to distinguish themselves ahead of the gubernatorial primary. The absence of James, Benson, and Duggan from the forum highlighted the competitive dynamics within both parties as lesser-known candidates seek to gain visibility.
The candidates’ responses to questions about data center regulations reflect broader concerns about balancing economic development with community interests as Michigan grapples with the expansion of AI infrastructure facilities across the state.
