America’s Multibillion Tech Boom Takes Center Stage in the Midterms Across 7 states
Voters in seven states will decide 34 ballot measures related to data center development, amid concerns about electricity use, water consumption, noise and local siting. The issue is also shaping Texas politics, where Gov. Greg Abbott has paused permitting and grid connections while candidates debate moratoriums and industry tax incentives.
Data center development has become a significant issue in midterm elections, with voters across California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Nevada, Ohio and Wisconsin set to consider 34 related ballot measures. Polling cited in the report found broad opposition to building AI data centers near voters, although many respondents supported locating them in remote areas. Concerns include power demand, water use, noise and whether facilities should be built in industrial or rural areas.
The issue is also driving political debate in Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a pause on data center permitting and grid connections, while Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa has supported moratoriums. Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democratic candidate James Talarico are debating tax breaks for the industry, while AIAI Holdings CEO Todd Furniss argued that data centers could provide substantial tax revenue and urged policymakers to weigh both the benefits and drawbacks.