New polling suggests most Americans oppose building new data centers for AI in their communities. Many Republicans in this year’s elections are distancing themselves from President Donald Trump, who supports data center expansion. Trump argues these centers can boost success, reduce taxes, and create jobs, urging communities to embrace development.
However, with Republican strategists warning about data centers’ political risks, some GOP candidates are changing their stance. This shift marks a departure for a party that once fully supported the AI industry’s growth. A recent Fox News poll indicates 70% of voters want to slow data center construction locally. Only 40% of Republicans and 46% of MAGA Republicans support new data center projects.
Concerns Over Energy and Resources
Rising electricity costs and resource use fuel opposition to data centers. Former Rep. Mike Rogers, the GOP Senate nominee in Michigan, suggests a pause to address public concerns. Rogers, who previously supported data center expansion, now proposes a one-year moratorium for stronger community protection and utility regulation.
In Ohio’s critical Senate race, data centers play a key role. The National Republican Senatorial Committee notes the issue could flip a Senate seat. Democratic challenger Sherrod Brown targets GOP Sen. Jon Husted, labeling him “the face of data centers in Ohio.” Husted has introduced a bill to prevent average Americans from bearing energy costs from data centers.
State-Level Pushback
The resistance extends beyond Michigan and Ohio. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, running for the U.S. Senate, proposed a four-point plan to limit data center growth and manage resource strain. Governor Greg Abbott halted data center connections to Texas’s power grid pending a regulatory review.
Other Republicans advocate various approaches. Ohio gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy plans an executive order to stop new projects until safeguards are set. In Wisconsin, gubernatorial nominee Rep. Tom Tiffany opposes data center expansions without conditions, contrasting with his Democratic rival.
Pennsylvania’s Republican gubernatorial nominee Stacy Garrity calls for a temporary moratorium on major data center developments. Rep. Byron Donalds, a GOP gubernatorial nominee, opposes bans. Instead, he introduced legislation to make AI data centers self-sufficient in power and water.
Trump’s Position and Industry Response
President Trump remains firm in his support for data centers, criticizing Abbott’s decision to halt development. Trump warns against stalling, highlighting the importance of winning the AI race with China. He expresses flexibility, noting support for data centers isn’t mandatory for Republicans.
Veteran Republican strategist Matt Gorman praises Trump’s long-term perspective. He emphasizes that Republicans are addressing voter concerns and urges the AI industry to improve its messaging.
The AI industry is responding to political challenges. Build American AI, an industry group, has launched a campaign advocating clear policies for data centers. They highlight the need to protect consumers, safeguard resources, and ensure developers contribute fairly.
The campaign emphasizes balancing community rights with infrastructure development to maintain U.S. leadership in AI.
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