Oregon Governor Tina Kotek posted a video on X featuring actress and activist Jane Fonda, saying the state’s future should be decided by Oregonians rather than trillion-dollar corporations. The clip shows the two discussing data centers and related protections. The post quickly drew widespread online reaction, with many replies focusing on Fonda’s involvement and past activism.
The video shows Kotek standing beside Jane Fonda. Fonda says, “I’ve got a question. Why should hardworking families have to pay higher electricity bills due to billion-dollar tech companies building data centers?” Kotek replies, “Well, they shouldn’t. And here in Oregon we’re doing something about it.”
Fonda adds that the data centers “consume enormous amounts of energy and they’re mostly run on fossil fuels,” and that without the protections Kotek has put in place, “Oregonians and the environment would pay the price.”
Kotek states, “That’s why I signed the POWER Act to make sure data centers are required to pay their fair share of electricity costs instead of passing those costs onto Oregon families,” and that she will keep fighting for stronger standards that protect communities, water, air, and lower costs for working families.
Fonda says, “Oregon’s future shouldn’t be dictated by billion-dollar corporations. It should be decided by Oregonians.” Kotek responds, “And this is what I’ll continue to fight for,” and notes the need for votes by November 3rd.
According to the accompanying post text, Kotek wrote that she is proud to stand alongside Jane Fonda in the effort to put people over mega-corporate interests. The POWER Act is a 2025 measure signed by Kotek that allows regulators to assign higher electricity costs to large energy users such as data centers.
The post appears in the context of the 2026 Oregon gubernatorial race between Kotek and Republican state Sen. Christine Drazan, in which data center policy has been a recurring topic. Claims in the video about specific cost impacts have not been independently detailed in the post itself.
Responses to the Video of Kotek and Fonda on Data Centers
Many replies on X focused on Fonda’s involvement. One user wrote, “Wow — the Traitor of Oregon standing next to a Traitor to the USA. Imagine that.”
Another said, “Kotek lands an endorsement from an uber-privileged white woman who is worth $300 million and lives in California. Oregon needs change, not rich, arrogant Hollywood types telling us what works for Oregon. Yet another reason to ELECT DRAZAN.”
A third commented, “Way to alienate all military personnel. Everyone knows Jane Fonda is a traitor who caused our POWs to be tortured. Great company you’re keeping, there.”
Several other replies referred to Fonda as “Hanoi Jane.” A smaller number of responses were positive. One user posted, “Thank you.” Another wrote, “My queen Jane Fonda and vote for Tina.”
Related discussions of Fonda’s support for Kotek, including on Instagram, included comments such as “Hell yeah Jane!” and “Tina has my vote.”
The post continues to draw comments as part of the broader discussion around Oregon’s 2026 gubernatorial race and data center policy. It remains to be seen how the exchange will factor into voter views ahead of the November 3 election.
