Data center uproar scrambles the midterm election

Data Center Opposition Shapes 2026 Midterm Campaigns

Opposition to data center projects has become a factor in several 2026 midterm races, prompting candidates in both parties to adjust their positions on new facilities. Campaigns have responded by highlighting or distancing themselves from prior support for the projects, which require significant electricity, water and land.

In Ohio, former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown has run advertisements this summer that describe Republican Sen. Jon Husted as connected to data center development. Husted, as lieutenant governor, had worked to attract such projects. The National Republican Senatorial Committee has indicated privately that a Husted defeat could reduce political support for data centers in other states.

In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott has proposed limits on data centers in rural areas and changes to tax incentives. The shift follows criticism from Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa, who described the state’s approach as lacking sufficient oversight. Abbott had previously promoted Texas as a location for technology infrastructure.

In Pennsylvania, Gov. Josh Shapiro introduced additional regulatory requirements for data centers this week. Republican candidate Stacy Garrity had criticized Shapiro’s earlier efforts to attract investment in the sector. Shapiro had previously sought such projects as part of economic development.

In Wisconsin, Republican gubernatorial nominee Tom Tiffany has run advertisements linking Democratic opponent David Crowley to data center approvals. Tiffany has aligned on the issue with Democratic state Rep. Francesca Hong, who challenged Crowley in the primary.

In Wyoming, Republican Chuck Gray won the primary for an open House seat after campaigning on opposition to data centers and support for a federal prohibition on new facilities.

In Michigan, Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed proposed state and federal pauses on new data centers shortly before his primary victory.

Industry representatives and Republican campaign officials have discussed the political response. One operative stated that organizations raising funds from technology companies should allocate more resources to candidates facing criticism over data centers. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who established a statewide pause on new large-scale data centers, said Senate committees should not advise companies on messaging.

The Trump administration earlier this year introduced a requirement that companies fund power generation and grid improvements tied to their projects rather than passing costs to local ratepayers. Google, Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, xAI, OpenAI and Amazon have agreed to the terms.

Industry representatives have said responses will focus on local workforce programs, community payments and commitments to cover infrastructure needs. One operative noted that projects should not proceed if they reduce resources available to existing residents.

President Trump has described data centers as important to national technology goals and has said communities could benefit from the associated jobs and investment. On Wednesday he stated that the projects could benefit from improved public communication while maintaining that local officials should consider hosting them.

The developments reflect differing local reactions to data center construction, with some areas citing electricity demand and land use as concerns and others noting potential tax revenue and employment. Candidates have incorporated these issues into their platforms ahead of the November elections.