Ed Delgado
RepublicanQ1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these positions?
I support responsible growth of AI and the data centers that power it because they are essential to America’s economic competitiveness and national security. At the same time, data center projects should be transparent, respect local decision-making, and address impacts on water, energy, and infrastructure without unfairly shifting costs onto residents. My views are informed by research from industry, government, and academic sources, as well as discussions about AI’s impact on jobs, privacy, energy, and rural communities. AI should strengthen American innovation while protecting taxpayers and individual rights.
KEYWORDS: AI
Q2 Making the US competitive in the bioeconomy (using technology applied to renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods) requires innovation and investments in business, academia and government. Please describe policies you will support, if any, that relate to workforce development in Wisconsin’s strengths such as agriculture, biotechnology, and energy; and explain their rationale.
I support workforce development that prepares Wisconsinites for careers in agriculture, biotechnology, manufacturing, energy, and other high-demand industries. Strong partnerships between employers, technical colleges, and universities can help fill workforce shortages while keeping Wisconsin competitive. My priority is investing in education and training that leads to real jobs, supports innovation, and strengthens our rural and local economies.
KEYWORDS: JOBS AND WORKFORCE
Q3 Wisconsin’s public K-12 education systems have seen a significant decline in the past two decades, with more than 600 public schools closing and statewide student enrollment dropping 7%. These impacts have been especially pronounced in Wisconsin’s many rural counties, where opportunities for STEM education are already fewer. What policies, if any, would you support to improve K-12 education for students across Wisconsin?
I support strengthening K-12 education by focusing on core academics, empowering parents, supporting teachers, and giving local school districts the flexibility to meet their communities’ needs. I also support expanding career and technical education and STEM opportunities so students are prepared for college, the skilled trades, military service, or the workforce.
KEYWORDS: EDUCATION
Q5 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
I believe scientific expertise should inform public policy, especially on technical and emerging issues. At the same time, elected officials must also consider the Constitution, economic impacts, public input, and individual rights. My decisions will be informed by credible scientific evidence while balancing the broader responsibilities of representative government.
KEYWORDS: TRUST IN SCIENCE
Q7 Wisconsin has faced an increasing number of infectious disease outbreaks in recent years, for instance with rising numbers of measles and avian influenza cases that threaten human health and agricultural industry, respectively. What policies, if any, would you support to manage the burden of infectious disease in the state and respond to future outbreaks?
I support strong disease surveillance, public health preparedness, and protecting Wisconsin’s agriculture from outbreaks that threaten people and livestock. Government should provide timely, accurate information and coordinate with health professionals and producers while respecting individual rights and avoiding unnecessary mandates. Our response should be guided by science, transparency, and proportional measures.
KEYWORDS: PUBLIC HEALTH