Backlash to data centers could cost GOP a Senate seat in Ohio, Republicans warn
Republicans are warning that public backlash against data center development in Ohio could jeopardize Sen. John Husted's re-election chances. Democrats are leveraging concerns about data centers' strain on local resources and utility costs in the upcoming election. The issue is gaining traction nationally, with various state leaders proposing or enacting measures to regulate data center development.
Senate Republicans are expressing concern that public opposition to data center development in Ohio could negatively impact Sen. John Husted's re-election bid, according to an internal memo from the National Republican Senatorial Committee. The memo, sent to AI companies, indicates Husted is in a "dead heat" with Democratic opponent Sherrod Brown, who has made data center opposition a central theme of his campaign.
Brown attributes increased utility bills to data centers and ties Husted to tax breaks granted by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine's administration. In response to mounting concerns, Gov. DeWine previously paused new tax exemptions for data centers, and Sen. Husted introduced a proposal to mandate data centers pay for their own power generation to prevent increased costs for consumers.
This political sensitivity extends beyond Ohio, with a recent Gallup poll indicating 71% of Americans oppose AI data center construction in their areas due to quality of life, economic, resource, and environmental concerns. President Trump has voiced support for data centers, citing jobs and tax revenue, but acknowledged a need for better public relations. Other states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Texas, are seeing similar debates, with governors and candidates proposing or enacting measures to limit or audit data center development and their impact on local communities and power grids.