Silicon Valley‘s political spending spree meets a blue wave — and a data center revolt
The article examines how voters and candidates opposing AI expansion and data center construction performed in the 2026 midterm elections. It reports that at least 35 local ballot measures limiting or banning data centers appeared likely to pass, while South Carolina candidate Annie Andrews advocated a two-year data center construction moratorium.
Silicon Valley billionaires and industry-backed political action committees spent heavily in the 2026 midterm elections, but many candidates associated with AI and data center expansion suffered defeats. The article says voters in several states responded to concerns about artificial intelligence, rising energy costs and the effects of data center construction, with at least 35 local measures seeking to limit or ban facilities apparently headed for approval.
In South Carolina, Democrat Annie Andrews defeated Darline Graham after campaigning against data center development and calling for a two-year construction moratorium. Other candidates who emphasized AI regulation or the energy impacts of data centers also won, although Florida Republican Byron Donalds, a supporter of U.S. data center construction, won the governor's race with backing from pro-AI donors.