Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Warns Data Centers Could Cost Republicans at the Polls
Dylan Furbay (Updated: Oct 25, 2026 / 03:22 PM CDT)
Republican farmers, long-time supporters of President Trump, are expressing concern over his recent $8 billion relief plan aimed at helping them cope with record-high diesel prices. The program is projected to cost an estimated $5 billion more in fuel than last year. A USDA official suggests payments will likely arrive closer to the end of the year, after the midterm elections.
Farmers grapple with droughts, spiking fuel and fertilizer costs.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller told NewsNation that Republicans could lose in the upcoming midterms due to rapid data center development, criticizing Governor Greg Abbott for not taking a stronger stance against these projects.
"Basically, we’ve just quit listening to the people, and we’re gonna pay for it this election. Eighty percent of people don’t want a data center in their backyard." — Sid Miller
Miller, speaking on behalf of Texas farmers, also commented on the Trump administration's relief program.
"We don’t want a handout… but if it comes right down to filing bankruptcy and not being able to feed our families, we’ll take it."
He highlighted the growing challenges facing Texans in agriculture, including the highest diesel prices ever and significant increases in fertilizer costs.
American farmers are facing price drops of 40% to 50% for major crops while spending significantly more on diesel as the war in Iran continues.
Miller also expressed frustration with recent moves by the administration, including the reduction of tariffs on imported beef.
"We have to be food independent."
NewsNation also spoke with Will Westmoreland, a Missouri farmer, about the growing trend of farmers turning away from Trump.