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POLITICS · SEP 22, 2026

Voters Debate Local Candidates and AI Regulation in Midterm Lead-up

Voters in New York and California are weighing candidates for House and Senate seats while debating AI data center regulations and public education privatization.

Voters in New York and California are engaging in localized political debates as the midterms approach. In New York, supporters are urging voters to elect Blake Gendebien, a moderate dairy farmer, to the NY-21 House seat over Anthony Constantino, who is described as a loyalist to Donald Trump. Additionally, advocates are calling for the re-election of State Senator Jim Tedisco, citing his efforts to protect forest land and repeal catch-and-release bail reform.

In Santa Cruz County, California, the political discourse focuses on resource management and systemic policy. Residents are debating the accuracy of homelessness surveys and the environmental impact of AI data centers. One advocate is pushing for a ballot initiative to regulate these data centers, arguing that existing county ordinances are moving too slowly to address the issue.

Broader national concerns are also surfacing in local discussions. Some residents in Santa Cruz County are urging voters to vote for Democratic candidates to block the Heritage Foundation from privatizing public education, referencing the organization's historical influence on President Reagan's policies.


Reported across 6 outlets
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Jim TediscoThe Heritage Foundation

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