Politics · United States · 2 hrs ago
AI and Data Center Opposition Could Shape US Midterm Races
AI and data centers are emerging issues in US midterm campaigns ahead of the Nov.
3 elections.
A poll by ABC News, The Washington Post and Ipsos found that 57% of Americans think AI is bad for society, while 66% oppose building new data centers in the country.
Opposition rises to 72% when a data center would be built in respondents’ communities.
Data centers power AI but use large amounts of electricity and water, raising concerns about costs and supplies.
The poll also found that 67% think the government is not doing enough to regulate AI.
Candidates are increasingly addressing data centers’ effects on household energy costs, and experts say the issue could hurt some politicians, including in southwestern states such as Nevada and Arizona.
Voters will have a chance to weigh in at the Nov.
3 midterms, though the sources do not say how the issue will affect specific races.
A majority of Americans surveyed said artificial intelligence is bad for society, while opposition to new data centers was even higher.
The findings come as US midterm elections approach on Nov. 3, with experts saying AI and data centers could affect key races.
The ABC News, Washington Post and Ipsos poll found that 66% oppose new data centers in the US and 72% oppose one in their community.
The poll also found that 67% believe the government is not doing enough to regulate AI.
Political candidates are increasingly linking data centers to electricity costs and other community concerns.
- Who
- US voters and political candidates, with experts discussing the issue’s potential effects on elections.
- What
- Opposition to AI and data centers could influence midterm races.
- When
- Ahead of the Nov. 3 elections; the article was published Oct. 22, 2026.
- Where
- The United States, including communities and races in southwestern states such as Nevada and Arizona.
- Why
- Many people are concerned about AI’s effects and data centers’ demands on electricity and water resources.
Tech leaders and Trump administration
Data center opponents and concerned voters
Data centers
Tech leaders and Trump administration
A national public relations campaign promoted data centers for benefits such as job creation and technological advances.
Data center opponents and concerned voters
Many Americans oppose new data centers, especially in their own communities.
Community impacts
Tech leaders and Trump administration
Supporters cited potential economic and technological benefits.
Data center opponents and concerned voters
Critics are concerned about electricity bills, water supplies and the costs to communities.
Four of 76 Republican newsletters discussing data centers mentioned electricity bills or ratepayers.
97 of 180 Republican newsletters discussing data centers mentioned electricity bills or ratepayers.
CNET published its report on AI and data center opposition ahead of the midterms.
US midterm elections are scheduled.
- Americans who say AI is bad for society
- 57%
- Oppose new data centers in the US
- 66%
- Oppose a data center in their community
- 72%
- Say the government is not doing enough to regulate AI
- 67%
- Election date
- Nov. 3
What people are saying
political career is going to run into a stone wall
It’s difficult to persuade people with promises of economic development when they’re worried about their electricity bills or water supply