Data Centers Become a Hot-Button Issue in Midterm Elections

Just over a year ago, state leaders from all parties were competing to attract data centers, large facilities that house advanced computing equipment. Incentives and promises of infrastructure support were offered by various states. However, as voters began to view these centers as resource hogs and potential job killers, public opinion shifted rapidly. Between March and July, a national poll showed a 12-point swing against new data centers.

The backlash has led to a significant reassessment of the wisdom of building such facilities. The issue is now being framed as a referendum on concerns about an economy overwhelmed by AI technology, particularly in regards to the role of these data centers that contribute to rising electricity bills and NIMBY-ism.

In response to voter sentiment, some Republican candidates are recalibrating their positions on data centers. For instance, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton proposed a ban on data centers using Chinese technology and holding them responsible if automated AI systems undermine children's safety. This move follows Governor Greg Abbott's announcement of a pause on new data center projects after previously calling his state the 'epicenter of AI development'.

In Michigan, GOP Senate nominee Mike Rogers shifted from supporting the construction of new data centers to calling for a one-year moratorium. His opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, emphasized the need for data centers to cover their own power costs and limit water consumption while working with local communities.