A wave of data center construction is intersecting with the 2026 midterm elections, as over 200 facilities rise in dozens of competitive House districts. Neither party has settled on a clear strategy to address the local backlash these projects are generating.
Data centers built to power artificial intelligence demand have sparked opposition over rising electricity costs, water usage, and the conversion of farmland. This frustration has become a populist force, toppling local officials and fueling campaign ads against incumbents.
According to data cited by Business Insider, 40 of the 69 competitive House districts — a majority — have data centers either planned or under construction. The energy-hungry nature of AI infrastructure has turned these projects into a political liability.
The issue cuts across party lines, with both Democrats and Republicans facing voter anger over the tech industry's growing local footprint. The conflict is expected to be a yearslong political slog with no easy resolution before election day.
Some observers argue that data centers also bring jobs and tax revenue, complicating the narrative of pure opposition. The local benefits may temper some backlash, but the political risk remains high.