The construction of data centers has become a significant political issue in the United States, with candidates in key races across the country adopting a stance against their development. This shift reflects a notable increase in public opposition to data centers, which has more than doubled in the past year.
This growing backlash is manifesting in electoral campaigns. In the Texas governor's race, Democrat Gina Hinojosa released an advertisement criticizing Republican Governor Greg Abbott over data centers. In a competitive House race, Representative Marcy Kaptur, a Democrat from Ohio, targeted her Republican challenger's support for data centers. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who had previously promoted data center investments, signed an executive order to restrict their construction and has since used the issue to attack his opponent, who had also criticized him over the facilities.
Nationally, Republicans are concerned about the impact of the data center issue on Senator Jon Husted's reelection in Ohio. A memo sent to AI companies warned of a potential loss of the seat due to public sentiment against these facilities. In Michigan, Republican Mike Rogers, seeking to win a Senate seat for the GOP, has endorsed a moratorium on data center construction.
This political momentum appears to be driven by public sentiment. A significant percentage of Americans now strongly oppose data center construction in their areas, a figure that has more than doubled in just one year. This opposition is increasingly linked to fears surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). Research indicates that a majority of individuals who oppose data centers are also skeptical of AI. The bipartisan nature of these sentiments is evident, with candidates from both parties in the Michigan Senate race adopting similar positions on data centers.
While the specifics of the data center debate may be more complex than the political slogans suggest, the widespread opposition indicates a public seeking to address concerns about AI by focusing on data centers, which have become a tangible target for their anxieties. Politicians are now aligning with these public sentiments, making the data center issue a defining element of the current political landscape.