Ohio Voters Concerned About Data Centers

Data centers in Ohio have become a prominent issue, particularly among voters in battleground states recently polled by the New York Times/Siena. Ohio voters are more likely to point to data center infrastructure as a primary factor influencing their vote. Three percent of Ohio respondents identified data centers as the most important issue—the highest percentage compared to other states like Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, and Texas, where less than one percent considered data centers their top concern.

This trend coincides with the varying degrees of support for AI development among Ohio Republicans, as noted in Newsweek’s AI Policy Scorecard. This highlights a potential political tension as voter concern over the data centers, which are crucial for powering AI technology, continues to grow.

Political Stances on AI and Data Centers

The AI Policy Scorecard assesses lawmakers based on their public record regarding AI policy, including their stance on data centers. Lawmakers are rated on a scale of one to five, ranging from “Skeptic” to “Booster.” The scorecard considers sponsored bills, congressional votes, and public statements.

Examples of lawmakers’ ratings include:

• David Taylor (OH-02): Rated “Lean Booster” with a score of 3.7, supporting H.R. 1047, the GRID Power Act.
• David Joyce (OH-14): Classified as “Lean Booster.”
• Jim Jordan (OH-04): Rated “Lean Booster” with support for H.R. 4776, the SPEED Act.
• Max Miller (OH-07): Mixed record, considered a “toss-up” in election forecasts.
• Michael Rulli (OH-06): Rated “Leans Booster” with a score of four out of five.
• Michael Turner (OH-10): Classified as “Lean Booster.”
• Mike Carey (OH-15): Score of 3.8 on Data Centers & Energy, “Lean Booster.”
• Robert Latta (OH–05): Rated “Lean Booster” with a score of 3.9.
• Troy Balderson (OH-12): Rated “Lean Booster” with a score of 3.8.
• Warren Davidson (OH-08): Score of 3.7 on Data Centers & Energy, “Lean Booster.”
• Jon Husted (Senator): Rated “Lean Skeptic” with a score of 2.7.

Newsweek reached out to all members of Congress listed for comment. Only a spokesperson for Taylor declined to comment.

Newsweek used Martyn, their AI assistant, to produce this story. For more information, contact editors John Fitzpatrick and Gray R. Thomas at Newsweek.