There was little fuss about data centers in the last election. Now they could sway the midterms.
Data center opposition has emerged as a significant issue in the 2026 midterm elections, particularly in Ohio, where residents are concerned about electricity costs, water use, farmland and local control. The planned PORTS-Pike Technology Campus near Piketon illustrates the mixed response, with some landowners weighing property offers while others anticipate jobs and economic growth.
Data center development has become a prominent 2026 midterm issue as voters and grassroots groups raise concerns about electricity demand, water consumption, farmland loss and potential increases in utility costs. Opposition is especially strong in Ohio, where communities have placed or are considering moratoriums and ballot measures targeting large facilities.
The planned PORTS-Pike Technology Campus near Piketon is expected to be built and owned by SB Energy, with OpenAI leasing the site for 20 years and Nvidia investing $1.5 billion in SB Energy. Pike County Commissioner Tony Montgomery said local officials have not set a deadline for reviewing the project, while residents remain divided between concerns about losing rural land and expectations of thousands of jobs.
The political dispute has also spread nationally. Former Sen. Sherrod Brown has criticized Sen. Jon Husted's support for data centers, while Husted has backed legislation requiring large facilities to cover infrastructure costs. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has tightened permitting requirements affecting Amazon's planned investments, and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has proposed new environmental and energy safeguards without endorsing a statewide moratorium.