The week the data center backlash exploded
This story appeared in Today, Explained, a daily newsletter that helps you understand the most compelling news and stories of the day. Do the words “data center” make you want to drop everything and call your congressional representative? You’re not alone, if we judge the nation’s mood by the actions of politicians who poll-test what they […]
The week that data center opposition exploded brought a wave of political action from both Democrats and Republicans, with key elections in 2026 at the forefront. In Texas, Democrat Gina Hinojosa ran an ad against Republican Governor Greg Abbott, accusing him of "selling you out" on data centers. In Ohio, Rep. Marcy Kaptur targeted her Republican challenger over his support for data centers.
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order to limit data center construction, countering a Republican attack ad against him. Even national Republicans in Ohio expressed concern over data centers impacting Senator Jon Husted's reelection chances, warning top AI companies they could lose the seat because of it.
Michigan Republican Mike Rogers went as far as endorsing a moratorium on data center building. The data center backlash has become a defining issue of this political moment, as polling shows the percentage of Americans "strongly opposing" data center construction has more than doubled in just one year.
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