The data center backlash bursts into the midterms

The facilities have become unlikely fault lines in the broader fight over an AI revolution that is remaking the global economy and threatening to disrupt the job market.

Sean Moran Investigative Reporter, Technology August 23, 2026 1:25 PM ET Americans’ growing opposition to the prevalence of data centers has led many politicians to limit or pause their increase altogether.Lawmakers in New York and Texas, for example, have effected stoppages of data center projects, while other states,

Gov. Greg Abbott introduced new standards around data centers in Texas after community backlash. Brandon Bell/Getty Images Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the backlash data centers are getting from Americans is deserved. Abbott, who earlier supported data center development in the state, has since changed his tune. Politi

Flock cameras are joining data centers as a top midterm boogeyman, with members of Congress and congressional candidates trying to harness a sudden groundswell of grassroots anger over the AI surveillance tool. Why it matters: This blowup over the country's massive network of license plate readers illustrates how rapid

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.