El-Sayed, Rogers face voter opposition to data centers in crucial Senate race
Data center development has become a significant issue in Michigan's U.S. Senate race, with candidates Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed both expressing support for moratoriums amid widespread voter opposition. Concerns include impacts on utility bills and water resources, with specific projects in townships like Saline and Ypsilanti drawing local scrutiny. Both candidates' financial ties to companies involved in data centers are under review.
The U.S. Senate race in Michigan between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has brought data center development to the forefront as a significant electoral issue, with 62% of likely Michigan voters reportedly opposing new data centers. Both candidates have publicly stated support for state and local data center moratoriums, though Rogers initially favored streamlined development. The issue is fueled by active projects, including an Oracle and OpenAI data center under construction in Saline Township and a University of Michigan computing facility planned for Ypsilanti Township, alongside a proposed data center in Augusta Township.
Voters in Saline have indicated that candidates' stances on data centers, financial interests in related companies, and overall handling of the issue could sway their votes. Rogers' financial disclosures reveal holdings in a Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, which has investments in data centers and is involved in financing the Saline Township project through Blackstone-affiliated funds and Related Digital. El-Sayed's disclosures show investments in mutual funds with tech stock holdings, though his campaign states he does not control these investments directly. Watchdog organizations have highlighted potential conflicts of interest arising from lawmakers' stock trading.
The Saline Township project itself has faced hurdles, with the township board initially voting against rezoning before agreeing to a settlement after being sued by landowners and developer Related Digital. Residents like John Gonzalez from Augusta Township express opposition to these developments, citing concerns about environmental impacts, utility rates, and the need for stronger local guardrails.
El-Sayed has outlined "terms of engagement" for data centers, emphasizing community benefits, energy reliability, water resource protection, and compliance with clean energy laws. Rogers has called for a one-year moratorium to establish a "fair, transparent approval process" prioritizing local communities. The debate also touches on broader federal AI policy, with former President Donald Trump advocating for streamlining AI infrastructure, which could impact data center development.