Building the Future backs Ty Masterson in Kansas governor race

A new super PAC dedicated to supporting data center interests has committed $1.5 million to help Kansas state Sen. Ty Masterson win the governor’s race. Building the Future, an offshoot of the pro-AI group Leading the Future, announced the expenditure on Monday. The money will fund advertising efforts in the state’s competitive gubernatorial contest.

The political group was formed in August following a multimillion-dollar ad campaign by Build American AI. That nonprofit operates within the same network and targeted Kansas, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The ads aimed to promote policies that the industry views as favorable for data center growth.

Building the Future stated in August that it would support candidates who advocate for responsible data center policies. The group defined these policies as measures that protect communities, preserve water resources, and prevent electricity rate hikes. It also emphasized the goal of maintaining American leadership in artificial intelligence while creating jobs.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Kristi Holscher criticized the spending in a statement on Monday. She called Masterson a stooge for Big Tech who wants to place data centers on every corner and in every cornfield. Holscher argued that Masterson would offer tax breaks to executives while everyday Kansans face rising costs.

The Kansas governor’s race is considered a key target for Republicans in the midterm elections. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report currently lists the contest as leaning Republican. It is one of the few Democratic-held governorships where Republicans have a viable path to victory this fall.

Data center expansion has become a major point of contention for voters in multiple states. In Kansas, Masterson voted for a 2025 law that granted sales tax exemptions for data center investments. He has opposed moratoriums on new development. Holscher also voted for the law but has since called for a statewide pause on construction.

Similar political dynamics are playing out in South Carolina. Building the Future is also planning to spend approximately $1.5 million on ads to support Republican Sen. Darline Graham. Her Democratic opponent, Annie Andrews, has called for a moratorium on new data center projects and labeled Graham Data Center Darline.