Data Center Opposition Shapes 2026 Midterm Election Races
Voters in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Arizona are mobilizing against data center expansion, forcing candidates to distance themselves from the industry to avoid public backlash.
Public opposition to hyperscale data centers has emerged as a critical issue in the 2026 midterm elections, impacting races across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Arizona. Residents cite concerns over noise pollution, air quality, and the use of forever chemicals in cooling systems, leading to grassroots mobilizations and the removal of local officials in Page, Arizona.
In Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro and Republican challenger Stacy Garrity have both walked back previous support for AI infrastructure. Shapiro signed an August executive order to strengthen energy standards and local decision-making, while Garrity called for a temporary pause on projects to update zoning laws. In the 24th state Senate District, incumbent Republican Tracy Pennycuick amended a bill to remove fast-track permitting for AI projects, while Democratic challenger Chris Thomas proposed requiring facilities to provide their own energy.
Similar tensions have surfaced in Ohio and Arizona. In Ohio, Democratic candidate Sherrod Brown has campaigned against the facilities, claiming they deplete local water and energy resources. In Arizona's 1st Congressional District, candidates Jay Feely and Amish Shah remain divided, with Feely viewing the centers as essential for competing with China. This trend has created friction within the Republican Party, pitting some local candidates against President Donald Trump, who maintains that the centers are vital for economic growth. The Data Center Coalition has defended the industry, stating that existing regulations sufficiently limit emissions.
