Data centers are bringing Americans together
The data center backlash has entered the midterms conversation. Politicians from across the spectrum have changed their minds — or at least their policy positions — about data centers in the past few months as public resistance to their construction has skyrocketed. A major example is Texas, where just about one year ago, Republican Gov. […]
In July 2026, protesters gathered at the Texas State Capitol in Austin to voice their opposition to data centers. This surge in opposition has prompted politicians from various political backgrounds to reassess their stances on data centers. Governor Greg Abbott of Texas, who once championed Texas as the "epicenter of AI development," has now imposed a moratorium on new data center construction while the state conducts an audit of its power grid connections.
Similar shifts have been observed among both Democrats and Republicans, with officials expressing concerns about the downsides of data centers, such as increased power bills, water usage, air pollution, eminent domain issues, taxes, and subsidies. The backlash seems to stem from widespread public concern about the potential impacts of AI on society, including jobs, brain health, children's well-being, and economic opportunities.
This shift in political messaging is evident in figures like Senator Jon Husted of Ohio, who once praised data centers as essential to Ohio's tech future, but now seeks to protect Texans from the financial burden of these facilities.
Written by urgent.news from Vox's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
