Early results from U.S. midterm elections indicate significant voter opposition to the expansion of AI data centers. According to Data Centers on the Ballot, 33 measures intended to restrict data center development have won, with six additional questions leading. Only one measure in Harwood, North Dakota, which would have added a review process for industrial projects, failed to pass. A separate tracker of 46 measures across 10 states reported that of 33 measures to limit data centers, every single one is set to be passed, while 11 of 13 measures intended to permit construction look set to be defeated.
The ballot measures vary in scope, including permanent bans, moratoriums, time-limited actions, and limitations based on size or energy consumption. The elections also resulted in the recall of the mayor and two council members in Piqua, Ohio, and the mayor of Yukon, Oklahoma, following their previous support for data center bans. These results follow polling data suggesting that 70% of Americans oppose AI data center build-outs due to concerns regarding noise pollution, utility price hikes, and other community impacts.
While the votes may impact future developments, it remains unclear if they will affect projects already in progress. Of more than 300 local data center bans enacted across the U.S., only three developments totaling 2.3 gigawatts have been delayed. Currently, 38 gigawatts are expected to come online by 2027, and infrastructure investment is projected to reach $32 trillion by 2050.
The political landscape for the industry remains complex. The Trump administration has pushed for U.S. AI development and introduced measures such as the “ratepayer protection pledge” to ensure tech companies, state governors, and utility companies pay their own way. Additionally, the U.S. Senate has accused Big Tech of misleading the public regarding the advantages of AI data centers. In response to delays facing hyperscale gigawatt sites, companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic are seeking smaller data center projects with capacities between 20 and 30 megawatts.
