The Data Center Backlash Bursts Into the Midterms

With opposition to the centers mounting, many Democrats and a growing number of Republicans are campaigning against them.

As public pushback to data centers boils over, politicians on both sides of the aisle are racing to distance themselves from the controversial facilities.  Key swing state candidates are scrambling to endorse stricter data center policies and accusing their opponents of being too cozy with the industry, as Americans be

Data centers are being opposed by Democrats and Republicans in key 2026 elections. | Sarah Rice/Bloomberg via Getty Images This story appeared in Today, Explained, a daily newsletter that helps you understand the most compelling news and stories of the day. Subscribe here. Do the words “data center” make you want to

The race to build data centers, which power artificial intelligence and cloud computing, has run aground amid frustration from voters who don't want to live near the massive warehouse campuses.

Venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya sees worrying signs for data centers after recent actions in Texas and Pennsylvania. ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images Venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya said the AI industry failed to sell itself. Now, he said, data centers have become "THE symbolic representation" in t