Data Centers Become a Midterm Battleground
Candidates in US midterm races are competing to sound tough on data centers as public opposition grows. The issue is bipartisan and could affect close Senate and House contests, including Ohio's Senate race. WIRED highlights key races to watch before November 3.
The midterm campaign has turned data centers into a bipartisan flashpoint. Since early this year, public sentiment has shifted against them, and some Republicans have distanced themselves from President Donald Trump on the issue. At least five candidates have been tagged by rivals with "Data Center [Name]" labels, including two named Derek or Derrick.
In Ohio's Senate contest, an NRSC memo warned that Democrat Sherrod Brown's data-center attacks on Republican Jon Husted might decide the race. Brown's ads blame Husted for attracting facilities and higher power bills. Senate Democrats blocked a Husted bill modeled on a White House promise to protect ratepayers, with Chuck Schumer calling it weak. Similar fights appear in Michigan, Iowa, Texas, and many House races.
As data centers become a campaign issue, voters in affected areas may weigh energy costs, local opposition, and tax incentives alongside other concerns. Communities could see more scrutiny of projects, while operators may face political pressure. Close races could turn on local backlash, potentially shaping state and federal incentives.