AI data centers are facing growing political backlash—and the fight is spreading deep into Republican territory.

On this episode of It’s a Numbers Game, Ryan Girdusky breaks down the changing politics surrounding AI data centers as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott moves to scrutinize new projects amid concerns over electricity demand, water usage, tax incentives, noise, infrastructure, and the impact on local communities.

Ryan examines why opposition to data centers is growing among Texas voters, why Loudoun County, Virginia—the heart of America's data center industry—is considering additional restrictions, and why Republicans may be rethinking their once-unquestioned support for rapid AI infrastructure expansion.

Then, Ryan turns to one of the most controversial Republican congressional candidates of 2026: Brandon Herrera. After Rep. Tony Gonzales dropped out, Herrera emerged as the GOP candidate in Texas' 23rd Congressional District—but his provocative past as a gun YouTuber is attracting national media scrutiny. Ryan explains how Republicans ended up in this position and what it could mean for control of the House.

Plus, Ryan answers listener questions about Trump, Netanyahu and the Kurds during the Iran conflict, as well as Madonna's refusal to let AI companies train on her music and the larger battle over artists, music catalogs and artificial intelligence.

EMAIL RYAN

AI data centers are facing growing political backlash&mdash;and the fight is spreading deep into Republican territory.
On this episode of It&rsquo;s a Numbers Game, Ryan Girdusky breaks down the changing politics surrounding AI data centers as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott moves to scrutinize new projects amid concerns over electricity demand, water usage, tax incentives, noise, infrastructure, and the impact on local communities.
Ryan examines why opposition to data centers is growing among Texas voters, why Loudoun County, Virginia&mdash;the heart of America's data center industry&mdash;is considering additional restrictions, and why Republicans may be rethinking their once-unquestioned support for rapid AI infrastructure expansion.
Then, Ryan turns to one of the most controversial Republican congressional candidates of 2026: Brandon Herrera. After Rep. Tony Gonzales dropped out, Herrera emerged as the GOP candidate in Texas' 23rd Congressional District&mdash;but his provocative past as a gun YouTuber is attracting national media scrutiny. Ryan explains how Republicans ended up in this position and what it could mean for control of the House.
Plus, Ryan answers listener questions about Trump, Netanyahu and the Kurds during the Iran conflict, as well as Madonna's refusal to let AI companies train on her music and the larger battle over artists, music catalogs and artificial intelligence.
<a href="mailto:ryan@numbersgamepodcast.com">EMAIL RYAN</a>

Dive into the world of data with Ryan Girdusky, an acclaimed American political commentator and writer, on "It’s a Numbers Game with Ryan Girdusky." In each episode, Ryan breaks down the most crucial data on politics, economics, and culture, providing you with the insights you need to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Whether you're a data enthusiast or just looking to understand the numbers behind the headlines, Ryan is your go-to source for in-depth analysis and engaging discussions. Listen to new episodes released every Monday and get the facts that matter - subscribe now and never miss an episode!

Join the conversation and follow Ryan for exclusive insights on X.com/RyanGirdusky and Instagram.com/Ryan.James.Girdusky. Listeners of the podcast also receive a free 30-day trial to Ryan’s National Populist Newsletter at natpopnewsletter.com.

Dive into the world of data with Ryan Girdusky, an acclaimed American political commentator and writer, on "It&rsquo;s a Numbers Game with Ryan Girdusky." In each episode, Ryan breaks down the most crucial data on politics, economics, and culture, providing you with the insights you need to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Whether you're a data enthusiast or just looking to understand the numbers behind the headlines, Ryan is your go-to source for in-depth analysis and engaging discussions. Listen to new episodes released every Monday and get the facts that matter - subscribe now and never miss an episode!
Join the conversation and follow Ryan for exclusive insights on&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.x.com%2FRyanGirdusky&amp;data=05%7C02%7CPodcastPublishing%40iHeartMedia.com%7C59d5813ab3ff4e4cb1ad08dd29fec8dd%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638712896468767069%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=HU2Ye188oTwGBBdwtfa7Zzu7LGCKq6ZuysH2fQpiRPY%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="Verified" data-linkindex="0" data-ogsc="">X.com/RyanGirdusky</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2FRyan.James.Girdusky&amp;data=05%7C02%7CPodcastPublishing%40iHeartMedia.com%7C59d5813ab3ff4e4cb1ad08dd29fec8dd%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638712896468791578%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Td6COXGc%2FuIN2NLjvrAj4emHh81IpBTGvLfPiAxXqoo%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="Verified" data-linkindex="1" data-ogsc="">Instagram.com/Ryan.James.Girdusky</a>. Listeners of the podcast also receive a free 30-day trial to Ryan&rsquo;s National Populist Newsletter at natpopnewsletter.com.

It's A Numbers Game with Ryan Girdusky

AI data centers are facing growing political backlash—and the fight is spreading deep into Republican territory.  On this episode of It’s a Numbers Game, Ryan Girdusky breaks down the changing politics surrounding AI data centers as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott moves to scrutinize new projects amid concerns over electricity demand, water usage, tax incentives, noise, infrastructure, and the impact on local communities.

It's a Numbers Game: Greg Abbott Hits the Brakes on AI Data Centers as Republican Backlash Grows

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/6010e89d-6263-46f4-9466-b4a9002b2867/transcript