Political speech, timestamped and in context

Stephen A. Smith: “Hold new data centers until Texas writes stronger rules.”

Featuring: Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Host | National

Gina Hinojosa Takes Aim at Greg Abbott: “He’s Hiding From Texas Voters”

Published October 1, 2026

I want to get to the data centers as well, because I think that's a very, very important issue right now in light of what's going on with AI centers and all of this other stuff. Hold new data centers until Texas writes stronger rules. A lot of people have been saying that. I think you've been saying that. How do you do that without driving AI investment and jobs out of the state of Texas? (12:48–12:53)

STATEMENT

Asserts that new data centers should be held until Texas implements stronger rules.

This is an excerpt from a raw transcript. The assertions have not been audited or verified. Tap the video to view the source footage and understand the context.

See the main statements from Stephen A. Smith in this video

“You're basically accusing politicians of not spending money. In other words, you usually have $10 billion. There's an additional $17 billion and the politicians in the state of Texas don't want to spend it.”
Asserts that Texas politicians have an additional $17 billion they are not spending.03:16-03:29
“The NPR slash Marist poll shows that you're up by about 3%.”
Asserts that the NPR/Marist poll shows a candidate leading by about 3%.07:01-07:06
“The Emerson, according to likely voters, they've got him up by about 3%.”
Asserts that the Emerson poll shows a candidate leading by about 3% among likely voters.07:05-07:11
“Another poll, Texas Southern slash YouGov likely voters. They say he's up by about 4%.”
Asserts that the Texas Southern/YouGov poll shows a candidate leading by about 4% among likely voters.07:11-07:18
“You have challenged him to a debate. I think the number is at four.”
Asserts that a candidate has been challenged to a debate four times.07:20-07:25
“You say you want to secure border but strongly oppose parts of Abbott's approach.”
Asserts that the speaker wants a secure border but opposes parts of Abbott's approach.08:38-08:43
“Last question is redistricting and the efforts that was put forth by Governor Abbott and others.”
Asserts that Governor Abbott and others have put forth efforts related to redistricting in Texas.19:21-19:26
“Electoral college votes, these are the kind of things you gotta pay attention to from time to time.”
Asserts the importance of paying attention to Electoral College votes during presidential elections.21:03-21:07