National Spotlight Falls on Zeigler's PSC Campaign as Debate Over Data Centers and Solar Farms Intensifies

June 16, 2026 - MONTGOMERY, Ala. - It is rare for a down‑ballot race in Alabama to draw national attention, but that is exactly what has happened in the final hours before voters decide the Republican nominee for the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC). Former State Auditor Jim Zeigler, who is challenging incumbent Commissioner Chris Beeker III, has become the focus of a June 15 New York Times feature highlighting his unusual campaign message: a promise to serve as a "Watchman" over the rapid spread of data centers and industrial‑scale solar farms across the state.

The PSC runoff will be decided Tuesday, June 16, in a race that has unexpectedly become a flashpoint in the broader national debate over artificial intelligence infrastructure, renewable energy, and the oversight of large‑scale utility projects.

A National Lens on a Local Office

The Times article, written by reporter David Chen, examines the growing tension in Alabama communities where major technology and energy projects are being proposed. It also spotlights Zeigler's argument that the PSC should take a more active role in reviewing and regulating these developments.

Zeigler, who served as State Auditor from 2015 to 2023, has built his campaign around the claim that no one in state government is providing meaningful oversight of data centers and solar farms. At a June 2 speech to the Elmore County Republican Party - attended by the Times reporter - Zeigler asked the audience, "Do you know who in Montgomery is overseeing the data centers and solar farms?" After a pause, he answered his own question: "No one. Nobody is overseeing all this, and that will come to a halt if you elect me to the PSC."

Beeker, appointed to the PSC in 2024 after his father stepped down for health reasons, has taken the opposite position. He argues that the PSC should not expand its authority to regulate AI‑related developments or renewable‑energy projects beyond its traditional utility oversight role.

The Stockton Solar Farm and a Three‑Minute Vote

A major focus of the Times article - and of Zeigler's campaign - is the proposed 4,500‑acre solar farm in Baldwin County, near Stockton. On December 2, 2025, the PSC approved a power agreement necessary for the project in a meeting that lasted only three minutes.

Zeigler has repeatedly criticized that vote, calling it a "rubberstamp" approval. He says that if he had been on the commission, he would have moved to hold a public hearing in Stockton, giving residents a chance to voice concerns about wetlands, community character, and long‑term land use.

The Times reporter and photographer spent June 3 touring the Stockton area with Zeigler and local residents, including community organizer Meaghan Fowler. The group visited the proposed site and discussed the growing grassroots opposition to large‑scale solar installations.

Citizen Pushback Across Alabama

The Stockton project is not the only flashpoint. Citizen groups have formed in Lowndes County, Bessemer, West Oxmoor Road in Birmingham, and Childersburg, with more expected as companies continue scouting Alabama for data‑center and solar‑farm locations.

Zeigler argues that these projects are being placed in "inappropriate locations" without adequate public input or environmental review. He stresses that he is not opposed to renewable energy itself.

"The people in Alabama and I are not against solar power and renewable energy," Zeigler said. "Solar is fine on top of roofs, for individual ownership, and in appropriate locations. What we oppose is inappropriate sites for industrial‑size solar farms and data centers."

He also took issue with the Times headline, saying it should have emphasized citizen opposition rather than implying that Alabama Republicans oppose renewable energy. "The idea that Alabama Republicans are against renewable energy is an inaccurate New York Times slam against our state," he said.

A Runoff With Broader Implications

While the PSC is often overlooked, the race has become a referendum on how Alabama will respond to the accelerating wave of AI‑driven infrastructure and renewable‑energy development. Zeigler says the state needs a "Watchman" to ensure transparency and protect communities. Beeker maintains that the PSC should not overstep its traditional regulatory boundaries.

With national media attention now focused on the race, Alabama voters will decide Tuesday whether the commission continues on its current path or shifts toward the more activist oversight Zeigler is promising.

Zeigler faces PSC incumbent Chris Beeker III in the Republican primary runoff on June 16.