Data Center Backlash Grows; Politicians Shift Stances Amid Midterm Races

Tech leaders are debating the reasons for widespread public opposition to data centers, with some suggesting public ignorance or foreign influence.

Yishan Wong, Reddit's former CEO, wrote on X that "The majority of people do not understand simple math" regarding data centers. Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan suggested on X that "CCP state media, a Shanghai-based Marxist's nonprofit network, and foreign billionaire dark money" are influencing an advocacy campaign against data centers. Data centers, which power large AI platforms, face bipartisan scrutiny and protests in local town halls and Washington rallies.

A Gallup poll in May found over 70% of respondents opposed data center construction in their area, citing concerns about energy and water consumption, and a general dislike of AI. This public sentiment is influencing politicians as November's midterm elections approach. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, previously a proponent of AI data center expansion, reversed course and announced strict guidelines for new projects, halting as many as 1,800 proposals.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a likely 2028 Democratic presidential contender, signed an executive order to limit data center construction, reversing his earlier optimism. Shapiro had previously announced a $20 billion investment in AI infrastructure in 2025, greenlighting two new data centers. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) warned in a memo that data centers have become a sleeper issue this election cycle, potentially jeopardizing Ohio Senator Jon Husted's reelection bid.

Husted, a Republican, defended President Donald Trump's energy policy, attributing rising electricity costs to radical climate policies and the closure of 23 power plants in Ohio. Democratic challenger Sherrod Brown's campaign spokesperson, Lauren Chou, stated Husted played a pivotal role in securing tax breaks for data centers, which she claims cause higher utility bills. Michigan Republican Mike Rogers endorsed a moratorium on data center building, while his Democratic opponent Abdul El-Sayed has hammered data centers on the trail, proposing terms of engagement and federal guardrails.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey rolled out a 20-year Responsible Data Center Development Plan, aiming to collect billions in taxes without the hangover seen in Virginia's Loudoun County.