Opinions on data centers are shaping this year's campaign cycle
Data centers are becoming a major issue in Virginia's 2026 congressional campaigns, with candidates in battleground districts emphasizing opposition to new development. In the 6th Congressional District, Republican incumbent Ben Cline and challenger Beth Macy are campaigning for a moratorium or temporary pause on data center construction.
Data center development is reshaping the political landscape in Virginia ahead of the 2026 congressional elections. Candidates in battleground districts are increasingly positioning themselves against the industry as public opinion shifts from viewing data centers as an economic benefit to focusing on their perceived costs and downsides.
In Virginia's 6th Congressional District, which includes Winchester, Harrisonburg and Roanoke, Republican incumbent Ben Cline and challenger Beth Macy are both campaigning on a moratorium or temporary pause. Analysts Mark Rozell of George Mason University's Schar School and Wes Bellamy of Virginia State University said the issue may benefit challengers, while incumbents could face criticism for data center growth that occurred during their time in office.