Cliff Johnson
DemocraticQ1 What policies, if any, do you support in regulating artificial intelligence use?
See response to question 3. Not only do we need to carefully regulate AI, but we also need to engage in diplomacy with China and other countries regarding our mutual interest in limiting the extent to which corporations control AI policy. Unregulated AI is a major threat to humanity.
Q2 Mississippi has an energy-intensive economy; about 78% of energy generated in the state in 2024 was natural gas-focused. What role, if any, do you see alternative forms of energy (such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal) playing in the mix of both Mississippian and American energy sources in the long term?
I am a strong proponent of expansion of “alternative energy” in Mississippi. The advances in solar technology provide robust opportunities here, and the federal government should encourage expansion of clean energy development.
Q3 Mississippi currently has approximately 20 data centers, with companies recently announcing major investments of $750 million to $25 billion to build data centers in the state. How do you see data centers impacting Mississippi’s, and the wider United States’, economy, livelihoods and environment?
I am opposed to the unchecked expansion of data centers, and I believe the AI industry must be regulated. Data centers are necessary and AI isn’t going away, but the notion that we must engage in an AI arms race and allow data centers to be established at the whims of for-profit corporate interests is a dangerous game. The notion that data centers will be a major source of jobs and are a sign that Mississippi has entered the high-tech world is a fallacy created by corporations that have “bet the farm” on the profitability of AI.
Q4 What policies, if any, do you support to sustain the agriculture, fisheries, and wildlife of both Mississippi and the United States
I support reestablishment of the EPA and renewed enforcement of clean air and clean water laws and regulations. Current tariff policies penalize local farmers and undermine local agriculture business and should be replaced with fair and less chaotic tariff rate setting.
Q5 Do you see community-based institutions like K–12 schools and community colleges playing a role in strengthening science and research across our state? If so, what policies do you support regarding these institutions?
Expansion of STEM offerings in all stages of our education system is crucial. In addition to making us more competitive with other countries, it prepares us for the expansion of AI technology and ever-evolving manufacturing automation. Offering AP courses at the high school level is insufficient. We must begin our commitment to science at the earliest stages of the education process.
Q6 Do you think elected officials have a role in working with scientists to build the general public’s trust in science? If so, what plans do you have to work with scientists?
I am furious about the Trump Administration’s attack on science and scientists, and I am committed to extensive funding of scientific research, speaking publicly about the importance of scientific research, seeking out the opinion of scientists on a range of policy issues, and