MinnPost looks at the impact of data center decision on local elections…

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 “transparency” platforms in some of the same places where local officials signed non-disclosure agreements to keep data center details out of the public eye.

Where is this noticeable?

MinnPost monitored city council filings in six cities prominently linked to data center developments over the last couple of years: Faribault, Farmington, Hermantown, Monticello, North Mankato and Pine Island.

In all six, there was an uptick in candidate filings this year compared with 2024. Faribault and North Mankato saw the biggest increases:

Faribault: 10 candidates (+4 from 2024)

North Mankato: 8 candidates (+4)

Farmington: 6 candidates (+2)

Hermantown: 4 candidates (+2)

Pine Island: 4 candidates (+2)

Monticello: 4 candidates (+1)

They found that the mayoral elections in these towns also had more candidates.