Texas Went Blue, Leaving Tech Bros Rethinking Their Political Haven
Democratic wins reshape expectations
Texas had been seen by some technology entrepreneurs as a political refuge from Silicon Valley. Its lower-regulation reputation and cultural image helped attract people frustrated with California’s Democratic politics.
Tech figures voice frustration
Musk responded to the election on X by suggesting that data centers in space looked appealing. Investor Jason Calacanis wrote that he had moved to Texas to get away from what he called “left lunacy.” Chamath Palihapitiya, a co-host of the All-In Podcast, warned during a livestream that opposition to data centers could threaten the AI trade. He pointed to West Texas, saying much of the power that matters to the industry is there.
Reactions were not unanimous
Alex Cohen, cofounder and CEO of Texas-based healthcare AI company Hello Patient, posted that AI was over. LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman, a prominent Democratic donor, instead described the midterm results as a broad wave against President Trump and his allies.
As of publication, David Sacks, Travis Kalanick and Lane Kasselman had not posted about the election results. The differing responses show that the Texas outcome prompted both concern and celebration among technology figures.
Key points
- Texas voters elected Democrat James Talarico to the Senate and Gina Hinojosa as governor.
- Elon Musk and other tech figures expressed concern about the results and their possible effects on AI infrastructure.
- Reid Hoffman welcomed the midterm outcome, while several Texas-based technology leaders had not commented.