Data Center Political Flashpoint
Data Centers Emerge as a Major Campaign Flashpoint in 2026 Races
Anonymous
Opposition to data center growth has become a campaign issue in 2026 races, amid concerns about electricity costs, water use, jobs, land and local control. Polling cited in the articles found 64% opposed building data centers at the current pace, and an equal share said support for a local project could make them less likely to back a candidate; a Michigan State University survey found seven in 10 Michiganders opposed a data center in their community, with many expecting higher household energy bills. In Wisconsin, Republican Derrick Van Orden and Democratic challenger Rebecca Cooke traded accusations over their industry connections and Van Orden’s vote for tax breaks used by developers, while campaign ads have linked data centers to broader concerns about affordability and local control. A multimillion-dollar Build American AI campaign is promoting data center growth in Ohio, Wisconsin and Kansas; the effort is connected to a pro-AI super PAC whose major donors include OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman and his wife. Separately, North Carolina Senate candidate Michael Whatley disclosed investments in companies that supply or support data center operations, prompting questions about potential conflicts; his campaign says he supports restrictions on congressional stock trading and blind trusts.
Key Points
1
Opposition in Michigan crossed party lines: 76% of Democrats, 58% of Republicans and 72% of independents surveyed opposed a data center in their community. Researchers said concerns included local water use, household energy costs, the power grid and the effects of AI on jobs.
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Thirteen data center projects are currently planned across Michigan, according to Cleanview, which tracks energy and data center projects.
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A Build American AI spokesperson said the campaign would argue that data center development should benefit host communities through economic opportunity and support for American workers. A Columbus business owner said the campaign appeared to obtain phone numbers by purchasing information from organizations that collect personal data.
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In Wisconsin, Rebecca Cooke said she had advocated for a data center moratorium for months and accused Van Orden of voting for an $83 billion tax break for developers while cutting health care for millions of Americans.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
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Articles
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Reach
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