Bipartisan Backlash Against AI Data Centers Hits Midterm Races

A bipartisan movement against AI data centers has emerged as a critical issue in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, driven by voter concerns over rising electricity costs, water depletion, and noise pollution. Polling indicates majority opposition across political subgroups, with some reports suggesting over 60 percent of Americans oppose new facilities in their local areas.

Donald Trump has positioned himself as an unequivocal ally of the industry, arguing that data centers are essential for national security and winning the AI race against China. While he has urged local leaders to aggressively pursue these projects for their tax and job potential, he acknowledged the industry could use a little public relations help. To mitigate public anger, Trump issued a ratepayer-protection pledge signed by Google, Microsoft, and Meta, requiring firms to fund their own power generation and grid upgrades.

Despite federal support, several state leaders have pivoted toward restriction. New York Governor Kathy Hochul implemented the first statewide moratorium on hyperscale data centers, while Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order removing these projects from fast-track permitting and requiring strict environmental standards. Texas Governor Greg Abbott halted approvals for approximately 1,800 new facilities and moved to remove sales tax exemptions, a shift Trump characterized as a mistake.

In Ohio, the issue has become a central conflict in the Senate race. Democratic candidate Sherrod Brown has leveraged anti-data center sentiment to attack incumbent Senator Jon Husted. A leaked memo from the National Republican Senatorial Committee warned that data centers have become a toxic brand and an anchor around Husted's neck, cautioning that such political liabilities could chill industry support nationwide.