LANSING, Mich. — House Speaker Mike Johnson warned against the "dangerous prospect" of a federal moratorium on data centers while campaigning with Republican Congressman Tom Barrett on Tuesday.

The Louisiana Republican, when asked whether he believes the federal government should override local control over data center siting and zoning decisions, advocated for a "measured approach" toward data centers as the country attempts to keep pace with Chinese artificial intelligence innovation.

"A broad moratorium against data centers is kind of a dangerous prospect right now," Johnson told reporters in Lansing. "We’re in a race with China on that AI race. If they’re able to leapfrog us in that race, it's a very dangerous thing for everybody around the country."

Johnson added that companies need to earn local communities' trust and noted corporations that have developed data centers in Louisiana have signed ratepayer protection pledges with communities.

"But it's up to each community," Johnson said. "Look, trust is not guaranteed. It has to be earned and so these corporate partners need to make the right decisions, work with local leaders and state leaders and make sure they’re doing it in a responsible way. But it is important for the future of this country.”

Barrett, R-Charlotte, said his office is working on legislation that would keep the federal government out from what he argues should be the decision of the local community. The congressman largely has opposed federal intervention in data center negotiations.

"I’m drafting a bill that would prohibit federal agencies from overriding local control for zoning and those kinds of things," Barrett said. "Because I do believe fully that it has to be local control.”

The statements come as Barrett's general election opponent, Democrat William Lawrence of Lansing, has proposed a federal moratorium on data centers to allow lawmakers time to establish regulations over their operations.

Data centers have become an issue of concern in the swing 7th Congressional District as data center developments advance in a few different communities in the district, including one on about 405.8 acres in Vevay Township, where an unknown developer is advancing plans for a hyperscale data center. The development near Mason, Ingham County's county seat, would represent a capital investment of about $1 billion.

Lawrence, a 35-year-old community organizer and former member of Democratic Socialists of America, has argued his campaign's opposition to data centers would appeal to Republicans and Democrats alike in the purple district.

The 7th Congressional is one of a few in Michigan that Democrats are trying to flip to secure a majority in the U.S. House. Barrett, 45, won the seat in 2024 against former state Sen. Curtis Hertel, D-East Lansing, with a 3.7 percentage point margin of victory.

Johnson on Tuesday argued Republicans have a chance in the district as the "Marxist, radical, insurgent left" takes control of the party, leaving behind moderate and establishment Democrats.

"They think over two or three cycles, if they can get enough communists and Marxists elected, like his opponent, they'll take over the chamber," Johnson said. "And then they'll take over the means of production."

A Republican linked group, Michigan Sunrise PAC, helped to boost Lawrence in the 7th Congressional District Democratic primary over more establishment candidates, Bridget Brink and Matt Maasdam, in the final weeks of the primary campaign.

The group — the name of which mimics that of the environmental activism group founded by Lawrence, the Sunrise Movement — has spent about $500,000 to boost Lawrence and $1.2 million to oppose Maasdam.

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