AI Data Center Backlash Influences Pennsylvania Midterm Races

Opposition to artificial intelligence data center expansions has emerged as a critical campaign issue in Pennsylvania's closely contested congressional races ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. While Donald Trump and Governor Josh Shapiro initially welcomed US$90 billion in energy and AI investments in July 2025, local residents are now protesting rising electricity costs, water consumption, and limited job creation.

This backlash has delayed or stopped over a quarter of the 90 planned data centers across the state. In Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District, Democratic challenger Paige Cognetti and Republican incumbent Rob Bresnahan are both addressing the controversy. Cognetti has criticized Bresnahan's industry ties and called for developers to hire local union workers and cover infrastructure costs. In response, Bresnahan introduced legislation to protect municipalities from lawsuits filed by developers.

The controversy has fostered unusual cross-partisan alliances between Republican and Democratic voters. This shift signals a potential political realignment driven by the societal and environmental impacts of AI infrastructure.