Inside the energy fight shaking up the Texas governor race

Rural voters in Texas are growing increasingly angry over data centers and new power lines in their communities, threatening Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s reelection bid as he faces a surprisingly competitive race against Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa. POLITICO’s Texas-based energy reporter Shelby Webb breaks down the rural backlash, how the candidates are responding and why the fight over energy could help decide who runs Texas. Plus, Maryland is doubling down on renewable energy, and the show will be off next week. Shelby Webb covers Texas energy and environment issues for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy.  Kyra Coffie is a freelance video producer for POLITICO. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Debra Kahn is the editorial director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Veronica Tejera is the deputy head of Audio/Video at POLITICO. Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Follow the show on Apple, Spotify, Youtube and Instagram. Follow POLITICO here:    ➤ X: https://x.com/politico/ ➤ Instagram:  / politico      ➤ Facebook:  / politico   For more reporting on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy