Maine gubernatorial candidates outline stances on AI data centers
Maine gubernatorial candidates outline stances on AI data centers
Publish Date: 2026-06-03 18:34:00
Source Domain: wgme.com
PORTLAND (WGME) — Some of the candidates to be Maine’s next governor released plans Wednesday for how to handle artificial intelligence.
Some want to make sure data centers don’t threaten jobs in Maine or harvest and sell personal information.
Others believe data centers, like the $550 million one proposed for Jay, are coming whether Maine likes it or not, and the state should embrace any economic benefits that would come with them.
“We have to control AI,” Maine teacher Todd Cretian said. “We cannot let it take over our education system.”
Maine teachers, nurses and labor groups are all sounding the alarm when it comes to artificial intelligence.
“It can be a force for good,” Arthur Phillips of Maine AFL-CIO said. “But it also poses enormous threats.”
Candidates for governor are also weighing in.
“Technology should serve people,” Democratic gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson said. “Not rule them. Maine should not be a testing ground for Silicon Valley’s worst ideas.”
Democratic candidate for governor Troy Jackson (WGME)
Jackson and fellow Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nirav Shah unveiled plans Wednesday to establish safeguards for AI.
“Data centers cannot come into Maine and leave working people behind,” Jackson said.
“Any technology that ends up costing more than it adds is not something that’s a net benefit for Maine,” Shah said. “And so as governor, what I want to do is embrace the use of AI in state government but not in a manner as to replace jobs for people.”
Maine Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nirav Shah (WGME)
Governor Janet Mills vetoed a statewide moratorium on AI data centers, paving the way for a data center at the now closed paper mill in Jay.
Four Democratic candidates say they would have supported the moratorium.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Angus King III says he would have vetoed it like the governor.
Democratic candidate for governor Angus King III (WGME)
“I don’t think we need 18 months,” King said. “But I also am not…
