Michigan House hopeful calls for nationwide pause on AI data centers

At a South Lansing event, Michigan House candidate Will Lawrence, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, advocated for a federal pause on constructing new AI data centers, saying the nation must first decide how to develop super-intelligent systems responsibly. He warned that current projects favor wealthy tech and finance interests and undermine democratic principles. Lawrence also attacked President Donald Trump’s policies and pushed for sweeping campaign-finance reforms, including public financing and a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United.

He noted that without Supreme Court changes, the decision will remain in place. Backed by progressive leaders like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Lawrence seeks the Democratic nomination for Michigan’s 7th congressional district, aiming to unseat Republican Rep. Tom Barrett in the November election. Other Democratic contenders include former Obama NSC official Bridget Brink.