What Happened?

Opposition to data centers, which power artificial intelligence, is crossing party lines and shaping some of the tightest midterm races, with three Kansas communities and 21 Ohio municipalities set to vote on related measures in November. ​

A Stateline report published Oct. 12 describes the backlash as an issue in both state and federal races. The Legis1 analysis notes that data-center opposition is crossing party lines and shaping some of the tightest races ahead of the midterm elections. Three Kansas communities will vote on proposed data-center bans in November, and 21 Ohio municipalities will vote on data-center-related ballot measures.

A NewsNation report published Oct. 13 found that 62 percent of Iowa voters oppose data centers being built in or near their communities.

Why Does it Matter to Me?

Three Kansas communities will vote on proposed data-center bans in November, and 21 Ohio municipalities will vote on data-center-related ballot measures.

Candidates in the Ohio Senate and Texas gubernatorial races are calling for tighter rules or fewer tax breaks for data centers. In Iowa, both gubernatorial candidates are calling for tougher rules, according to the NewsNation report.

Ohio Republican Sen. Jon Husted has faced criticism for championing data-center tax breaks, the Stateline report notes. Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed called for artificial intelligence safeguards this week, as polls show Americans are skeptical of AI and of the large data centers that power it.

Both Sides, Now

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.

On the other side, a Democratic member from Minnesota said in a congressional statement: "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."

Opponents point to concrete local conflicts. City officials in Defiance, Ohio, announced a six-month moratorium on new project approvals amid a local fight over data centers, according to Reuters. An Associated Press report described concern about the planned $165 billion Project Jupiter data-center complex near the Mexican border amid dwindling water supplies.

The Legis1 analysis notes that at least one Democratic member is framing the issue in terms of Big Tech accountability. Congress has not passed any federal legislation on data-center oversight, leaving states and localities as the primary venues for action.

What Happens Next?

Voters in three Kansas communities will decide on proposed data-center bans in November, and 21 Ohio municipalities will vote on data-center-related ballot measures that month.

Candidates in the Iowa, Ohio, and Texas races are on record calling for stricter oversight or fewer tax incentives for data centers.

Whether Congress sets national rules on data-center development and energy use, or whether the issue stays a patchwork of state and local fights, is the question that follows the vote.

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