Texas Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa (D) is promising to put new restrictions on data centers when she takes office in January, arguing that rural communities have been left vulnerable to an industry expanding across the Lone Star State.

During a Thursday night appearance on CNN, Hinojosa said Texas would remain open to business under her administration, but companies seeking to build data centers would have to demonstrate that their projects benefit local residents.

“Well, we have always been a pro-business state in Texas, but what changes now with me as governor is it has to be a partnership that benefits Texans,” Hinojosa said.

“And right now, what has happened is data centers have moved into mostly rural communities, and there are no rules and laws to protect Texans, and Texans are being taken advantage of.”

Hinojosa said she intends to establish “laws to protect Texans” and stop working with data centers “until we have those protections.”

“We can have a strong economy, strong industry, and protections for the people of Texas. Those things are not mutually exclusive, and I’ll make sure, as governor, I lead to ensure that that happens,” she said.

CNN host Jake Tapper pressed Hinojosa on whether her position amounted to an outright rejection of new data center construction in Texas or whether she simply wanted stronger regulations.

The incoming governor made clear that she was not opposed to data centers themselves, but wanted communities to have greater influence over whether projects move forward.

“And that communities have a seat at the table to decide if and how these data centers come into their communities. Texas is like a country. We are so diverse in all ways,” Hinojosa responded.

“So, absolutely, we need to make sure they are partners in this effort, and that has always been my position. It is not that I hate data centers. I hate the way they are taking advantage of Texas, and that stops when I’m governor.”

Hinojosa previously called for a moratorium on data center construction during her campaign, raising questions about the future of planned facilities and ongoing development across Texas.

Her position also reflects a broader debate over the rapid expansion of data centers, particularly in rural areas where residents have raised concerns about electricity demand, water consumption and the impact of large industrial projects on their communities.

The Democrat's victory over Republican Gov. Greg Abbott came alongside other Democratic wins down the ballot. Abbott conceded the election and told supporters he would “assist her and her team in a period of transition.”

Hinojosa's approach to data centers was a prominent part of her campaign, during which she emphasized the need to protect ordinary Texans from the influence of wealthy investors and corporations behind major development projects.

Her plans are already drawing opposition from Republicans in the state Legislature.

Texas state Rep. Brian Harrison (R) has called on Abbott to limit the incoming governor's authority before she takes office, warning against allowing Hinojosa to wield “unchecked emergency powers.”

“The urgency is undeniable… and inaction is intolerable,” Harrison wrote on social media.

The dispute sets up an early confrontation over how much authority the next governor should have to restrict data center development and what protections Texas communities should receive as the industry continues to expand.

For Hinojosa, the central message is that Texas can continue attracting major investments without giving companies a free hand in deciding where and how they build.

Her comments suggest that the debate over data centers will remain a major issue in Texas long after the election, with questions about local control, corporate investment and the state's economic future likely to shape the opening months of her administration.