How data centers are shaping Michigan's midterm elections
Data center development has become a significant issue in Michigan elections, with bipartisan candidates supporting moratoriums and greater local control amid widespread public opposition. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has promoted the state’s data center incentives and a responsible-growth pledge, while facing criticism over the Oracle and OpenAI project in Saline and concerns about water and electricity use.
Data center development is emerging as a major issue in Michigan’s midterm elections as candidates from both parties call for moratoriums or stronger local control. A Michigan State University survey found that 70% of residents oppose data centers in their communities, while nearly three-quarters view their environmental effects negatively.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has backed the sector through Michigan tax incentives and the Michigan Affordability and Responsible Growth Pledge, signed by Anthropic, Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Oracle, Verrus and later Solstice Data. The pledge requires participating companies to invest in the electric grid, use clean energy, protect natural resources and cover infrastructure costs.
Whitmer also faced political backlash after appearing with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman at the groundbreaking of The Barn, a $16 billion Oracle and OpenAI data center in Saline. The project has intensified concerns over the industry’s heavy electricity and freshwater demands, with large facilities potentially using millions to billions of gallons of water daily.