The midterm elections’ biggest loser? Data centers
Data centers were on the ballot this election, and they lost. While results from the midterm elections are still coming in, as of November 4, 38 out of 39 restrictions on data centers had passed—from temporary moratoriums on new construction to full bans. And multiple candidates who made opposition to data centers a key part of their campaign also won. Take the example of William Lawrence , the…
Data centers faced a setback in the recent midterm elections, with restrictions on their construction and operation passing in 38 out of 39 cases. Candidates who opposed data centers saw victories, including William Lawrence in Michigan's 7th Congressional District and candidates in Texas, Georgia, New Mexico, Ohio, and other states.
Lawrence, a progressive candidate, won by advocating against data centers, claiming they would increase energy bills and lower property values. This opposition trend extended to other races, with Democrats Gina Hinojosa, Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Deb Haaland winning by campaigning for data center moratoriums. The backlash against data centers may not be solely about AI, but rather concerns over electricity prices and climate impacts.
This could lead to more moratoriums, potentially slowing down the spread of AI and making it harder for tech companies to access power.
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