Where Ohio Republicans Stand on Data Centers Amid Growing Backlash
A recent poll found Ohio voters are more concerned about data centers than other battleground states.
Ohio Republicans hold a mixed stance on data centers, a growing concern among voters according to recent polling by the New York Times/Siena. While data centers sit lower on the list of important issues for voters in most battleground states, Ohio voters are more likely to consider the infrastructure when casting their ballots—3 percent cited it as their top concern, compared to less than 1 percent in other states.
Ohio Republican lawmakers have embraced AI development to varying degrees. Representative David Taylor (OH-02), rated "Lean Booster" on Newsweek's AI Policy Scorecard, supported the GRID Power Act to prioritize dispatchable power projects. Representative Jim Jordan (OH-04) and Representative Max Miller (OH-07), both "Lean Boosters," voted for the SPEED Act.
Representative Michael Rulli (OH-06), rated "Leans Booster," supports building AI data centers around Ohio. Representative Michael Turner (OH-10), also "Lean Booster," is favored by Republicans. Representative Mike Carey (OH-15), with a score of 3.8, and Representative Robert Latta (OH-05), scoring 3.9, are also classified as "Lean Boosters."
Senator John Husted (OH-08) is rated "Lean Skeptic." Newsweek reached out to all listed members for comment.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
