Illinois
Data center projects, polling, political statements, and PAC activity in Illinois.
Last updated: March 2, 2026
3
Projects
2.3 GW
Total Capacity
1
Polls
2
Statements
4
Active PACs
$208M
PAC Spending
Political Statements
0 pro-DC · 0 anti-DC · 2 other
“As data centers continue to multiply, they are putting an incredible strain on the grid. We want a better sense of their water and energy usage and how it will impact costs, consumer prices and consumption.”
“We need to pause data center tax incentives and study how this growth affects power generation and whether infrastructure costs could shift to ratepayers.”
AI Super PAC Activity
4 PACs specifically targeting Illinois
Backer: OpenAI / VC coalition
Pro-AI industry super PAC pushing rapid AI development and lighter regulation. $70M cash on hand entering 2026. Bipartisan — supports candidates committed to a national AI regulatory framework.
Known Races:
Backer: Meta
Meta-backed bipartisan umbrella project fighting state AI regulation bills across the country. Funds affiliated PACs in TX, IL, and CA.
Source →Backer: Meta
Meta-backed super PAC supporting Democratic candidates favorable to AI development. Spending in at least 4 Illinois State House races via digital ads and direct mail.
Known Races:
IL: Spending in 4+ State House races, positive digital ads and direct mail
Backer: Leading the Future network
Affiliate of Leading the Future super PAC network. $5.4M cash on hand. Active in NY and IL primaries.
Known Races:
IL: $1M+ each backing Jesse Jackson Jr. and Melissa Bean comeback bids
Latest Polling
Projects
Proposed / In Permitting (1)
| Name | Location | Developer | Capacity | Investment | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Cardinal Yorkville (Contested) | Yorkville, IL | Pioneer Development LLC | 1,800 MW | — | shawlocal.com |
On Hold (1)
| Name | Location | Developer | Capacity | Investment | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ogle County Data Center (Moratorium Area) | Byron, IL | Undisclosed | 200 MW | — | farmweeknow.com |
Under Construction (1)
| Name | Location | Developer | Capacity | Investment | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meta DeKalb Data Center | DeKalb, IL | Meta Platforms | 250 MW | — | datacenters.atmeta.com |