Republicans warn AI data centers could sway upcoming midterm contests

Republican strategists have flagged artificial-intelligence data centers as a rising political liability as the 2026 midterm elections approach. A memo from the National Republican Senatorial Committee warns that voters are turning against these facilities and that Democrats are exploiting the sentiment in key contests, notably the Ohio race where Senator Jon Husted faces a challenge from Sherrod Brown, who has made the issue central to his campaign.

The document warns that a loss blamed on data-center opposition could deter future projects nationwide. The memo also notes that the AI industry must work to improve its public image, as the topic has not yet solidified into a clear partisan divide. Republican candidates in other states are already adopting anti-AI rhetoric: Tom Tiffany’s campaign in Wisconsin labels his rival David Crowley as “Data Center David Crowley,” emphasizing concerns over water use and taxpayer costs, while Texas Governor Greg Abbott has launched an audit to ensure AI projects fund themselves and avoid state subsidies. Polling shows a shift from modest support for nearby data centers in January to a majority opposition by July, with the swing most pronounced among voters who backed Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024.