LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - About a dozen area Democrats gathered Tuesday to criticize comments made by U.S. Sen. Jon Husted during a recent podcast, saying his policies on data centers are contributing to higher electric rates in Ohio.
The group says Husted is blaming Ohioans for rising electric costs because of increased daily use of artificial intelligence, while they argue the state's growing number of data centers is a major factor.
There are more than 200 data centers in Ohio, according to the Democrats at the rally. They called Husted the face of Ohio's data center expansion and criticized what they described as closed-door dealings surrounding the industry.
Christopher Gibbs, chair of the Shelby County Democratic Party, said Husted's record on utility rates has been a problem for Ohio.
"Jon Husted has been a disaster on utility rates from the first energy scandal that's cost the state billions in tax revenue, plus his giveaway to data centers that have taken away all of the opportunities for our communities, our small communities, to make good decisions and take advantage of data centers and all of the work that it provides instead of being taken advantage of. And I'm calling him out right here, right today," said Gibbs.
Lew Modic, a Democratic candidate for Allen County commissioner, said more transparency is needed when it comes to data center development.
"The way we have done this has been behind closed doors and so much secrecy Nobody knows what's in it for us as a community long term and the information is not coming out," said Modic.
Jeannine Jordan, the fourth Ward Lima City Council member, also criticized Husted.
"I think it's important that we get rid of Houston and institute government that believes that we are the solution, not the problem," said Jordan.
Husted was appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to become one of Ohio's U.S. senators after Sen. J.D. Vance became vice president.
Husted, a Republican, will face Democrat Sherrod Brown in the November general election for the Senate seat.
