Paul LePage is a ‘big fan’ of data centers in an era of skepticism

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 24, 2026

Former Gov. Paul LePage cast data centers as part of the answer to Maine’s energy crisis this week, breaking with polling that shows widespread skepticism of the projects among voters in both parties. “I’m a big, big fan of data centers,” the Republican running for Maine’s open 2nd District seat said Wednesday. “I think they’re going to create jobs. I think we can solve our energy problems.” Nearly three-quarters of Mainers — and majorities in both parties — oppose data centers being built in their communities, according to a recent poll. The former governor downplayed concerns about data centers’ water and power demands, blaming high energy prices on Democrats and pointing to the state’s paper mills as a potential model.