Opposition to AI data centers weighed on Democratic wins in the U.S. elections, CNN reports
A CNN poll indicates that about a quarter of voters considered AI and data centers crucial to their vote; some Republicans talk of rethinking their strategy for 2028.
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Resistance to data centers, the facilities that underpin the expansion of artificial intelligence, was one of the factors behind the Democratic Party's victories in the U.S. midterm elections, according to an analysis by CNN en Español. From statewide races to local ballot measures, voters broadly backed tougher stances against these projects.
According to the CNN poll, about a quarter of voters said AI and data centers were crucial to their vote, behind issues such as the cost of living and corruption. Asked about building these facilities in their communities, respondents were opposed by a ratio of roughly 3 to 1.
In Texas, Democrat James Talarico won the Senate race by 12 points. An independent committee supporting him sent advertising to voters living less than 8 km (5 miles) from data center projects, blaming those projects on Republican Ken Paxton, who backed some restrictions but said there were many open spaces, away from residential areas, for such projects. Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa called for a moratorium until the Legislature passes protections. In Ohio, voters in at least ten cities approved amendments banning large data centers, according to the group Conserve Ohio.
Among Republicans, who had to contend with President Donald Trump's firm support for data centers, some are already arguing for a change of strategy for 2028. A conservative group focused on AI policy issued a memo the day after the vote urging the party to adjust course.
The industry pushes back. Dan Diorio, of the trade association Data Center Coalition, said the industry needs to do a better job of showing Americans how data centers can ease cost-of-living concerns, citing tax reductions in Loudoun County, Virginia. A spokesperson for Leading the Future, the main industry-aligned campaign committee, said the group will keep working over several election cycles in favor of a national regulatory framework for AI.