Building the Future spends $1.5 million on Ty Masterson

A new super PAC supporting data center interests is directing more than $1.5 million toward the campaign of Kansas State Sen. Ty Masterson. A person familiar with the spending said the funds will back the Republican in his bid for governor. The group, Building the Future, announced the support on Monday.

Building the Future operates as an offshoot of Leading the Future, a super PAC backed by major figures in the artificial intelligence industry. Leading the Future is currently one of the primary financial forces promoting industry interests in the upcoming midterm elections. Earlier in the week, The New York Times reported that Building the Future intends to spend another $1.5 million on advertising for South Carolina Senator Darline Graham.

The political arm of the network was formed in August by Build American AI, a nonprofit organization. That group launched a multimillion-dollar ad campaign in Kansas, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The campaign aimed to promote specific policies for managing data center growth. The organization stated it would support candidates who champion responsible policies. Those policies are intended to protect local communities and water resources while preventing electricity rate hikes.

Democratic Governor Laura Kelly, referred to in the source as Holscher, responded to the funding on Monday. She described Masterson as a "stooge for Big Tech" who seeks to place data centers in every corner and cornfield of the state. She argued that his approach would provide tax breaks to executives while increasing costs for residents. Kelly said she would continue to fight for guardrails on data center development.

Masterson did not immediately provide comment for this article. In the Kansas race, Masterson has opposed moratoriums on construction. He voted for a 2025 law that granted sales tax exemptions for data center investments. Governor Kelly also voted for that measure but has since called for a statewide pause on new projects.

The race for Kansas governor is one of the few Democratic-held positions Republicans may flip this fall. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report lists the contest as leaning Republican. The state also holds a competitive Senate race between Republican Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton.

In South Carolina, Senator Darline Graham frames data center investments as essential for national security. She supports local control over construction decisions. Her opponent, Democrat Annie Andrews, has called for a moratorium on new projects. Andrews has labeled Graham "Data Center Darline" in her campaign messaging.