US Midterms: Candidates Taking a Tough Line on Data Centers Win Across the Country
In the 2026 US midterm elections, many Democratic candidates who opposed data center expansion won races. Almost a quarter of voters told NBC News the issue was crucial to their vote.
Candidates who called for restrictions on data center construction won in many races in the US midterm elections held on November 3. Data centers are large facilities housing the computers that run internet services and artificial intelligence systems. The results point to voter discontent with the industry's expansion in several states, Wired reports.
Polling and voter attitudes
In an NBC News survey, almost a quarter of voters called data centers "crucial" to their choice, and nearly two-thirds said they were a major or minor factor. Democratic strategist Alexander McCoy says many voters link data centers with AI and with concerns about prices, jobs and society more broadly.
Senate, House and governors' races
In Ohio, Democrat Sherrod Brown won a Senate seat from the Republicans after months of ads calling his opponent the "face of data centers" in the state. In New Hampshire, Democrat Chris Pappas mentioned his opposition to data centers in his victory speech. Two Republicans, whom Democrats branded "Data Center Derek" and "DC Derrick," lost House races in Ohio and Wisconsin.
In governors' races, Democrats Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia and Gina Hinojosa in Texas won, while Cindy Holscher is close to a possible win in Kansas. All three backed a data center moratorium. A pause could affect hundreds of projects planned in Texas and Georgia, two of the country's biggest development hubs.
Opposition was not always enough
In Wisconsin, Republican Tom Tiffany lost despite early ads attacking Democrat David Crowley over data centers. In New York's 17th district, Republican Mike Lawler conceded even though the Associated Press had not yet called the race.
Industry money
Many winners prevailed despite heavy spending by the AI and data center industries for their opponents. In South Carolina, the industry super PAC Building the Future spent $1.5 million backing Darline Graham, who lost to Democrat Annie Andrews, a moratorium supporter.
Local ballots
According to Ballotpedia, ten states put more than 40 data center questions on local ballots, including 21 in Ohio. In nine states, voters rejected construction plans, approved moratoriums or demanded more accountability to local communities. Only one county appears to have allowed more development.
Meanwhile, tech companies and environmental groups are working on a joint framework for data center development.
