Why it Matters

Data-center opposition is crossing party lines and shaping some of the tightest races ahead of the midterm elections. ​

A Stateline report published Oct. 12 describes the backlash as an issue in both state and federal races, noting that three Kansas communities will vote on proposed data-center bans in November and that 21 Ohio municipalities will vote on data-center-related ballot measures. Ohio Republican Sen. Jon Husted has faced criticism for championing data-center tax breaks, the Stateline report notes.

A NewsNation report published Oct. 13 adds that 62 percent of Iowa voters oppose data centers being built in or near their communities, and that candidates in the Ohio Senate and Texas gubernatorial races are calling for tighter rules or fewer tax breaks. Both Iowa gubernatorial candidates are calling for tougher rules, according to NewsNation.

Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed called for artificial intelligence safeguards on Tuesday, according to a New York Times report, as polls show Americans are skeptical of AI and of the large data centers that power it.

What They're Saying

President Trump urged communities to "let Data Reign," arguing data centers would make them "successful and rich," according to an ABC News report published Oct. 12.

A Democratic member from Minnesota, in a statement flagged in congressional communications, said: "Data centers epitomize the power Big Tech has over communities. People point to these buildings as proof that Big Tech plays by a different set of rules, and get pissed that data centers are built over the objections of the people who live aro..." The statement was truncated and no date was confirmed.

Candidates in the Iowa, Ohio, and Texas races are also on record calling for stricter oversight or reduced tax incentives for data centers, per the NewsNation report. In Iowa, 62 Percent of voters oppose data centers being built in or near their communities, and both gubernatorial candidates are calling for tougher rules.

Bottom Line

Three Kansas communities will vote on proposed data-center bans in November, and 21 Ohio municipalities will vote on data-center-related ballot measures. The congressional dimension is also taking shape, with at least one Democratic member framing the issue in terms of Big Tech accountability.

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