Data Center Funding: $1.5 Million Backs Kansas GOP Governor Bid

A new super PAC called Building the Future spent more than $1.5 million on Monday to support Republican state Sen. Ty Masterson in the Kansas governor's race. The group is an offshoot of Leading the Future, a major political action committee backed by leaders in the artificial intelligence industry. This marks the first major financial commitment from the new entity in the 2026 midterms.

The injection of funds aims to help Masterson, who is attempting to unseat Democratic incumbent Laura Kelly. Masterson previously voted for a 2025 state law that granted sales tax exemptions for data center investments. He has also opposed statewide moratoriums on new construction. His opponent, Kelly, has since called for a temporary pause on new developments to address community concerns.

Building the Future stated in August that it would support candidates who favor policies to preserve water resources and prevent electricity rate hikes. The group said it seeks to ensure American leadership in AI while creating high-paying jobs. The super PAC operates within the same network as Build American AI, a nonprofit that launched a multi-million dollar advertising campaign in Kansas, Ohio, and Wisconsin last summer.

The group is also spending approximately $1.5 million on advertising in South Carolina. Those ads will support Republican Sen. Darline Graham in her bid for reelection. Graham has framed data center investments as essential for national security while supporting local control over construction. Her Democratic opponent, Annie Andrews, has proposed a moratorium and recently referred to Graham as Data Center Darline in campaign materials.

Opposition to data center growth has become a central issue for voters in several states. In Kansas, the race is considered competitive. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report lists the governor's contest as leaning Republican. The state also hosts a close Senate race between Republican Sen. Roger Marshall and Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton. Data centers have emerged as a key factor in shaping voter sentiment in both the governor and Senate contests.

Laura Kelly responded to the new spending on Monday. She described Masterson as a stooge for Big Tech who wants to place data centers on every corner and in every cornfield. Kelly argued that Masterson will grant tax breaks to executives while everyday Kansans face rising costs. She stated that billionaire CEOs are spending millions to beat her because she will not do their bidding. Masterson did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the new funding.

The financial support from Building the Future comes as the data center industry seeks to influence policy in states with large land masses and existing power grids. The group's spending aligns with a broader strategy to back candidates who support infrastructure growth. The ads are expected to air in key swing districts during the final weeks of the campaign.