AI fears are fueling progressive Democrat's campaign in Michigan battleground district - ABC News
Democratic congressional candidate Will Lawrence is campaigning against a proposed AI data center in Mason, Michigan, leveraging local opposition to the project. Residents, including some Republicans, are rallying behind Lawrence's call to halt data center construction. The Mason City Council is currently discussing the potential annexation of land for a $1 billion hyperscale facility.
Will Lawrence, a progressive Democratic congressional candidate in Michigan's 7th Congressional District, is making strong opposition to artificial intelligence (AI) data center development a central part of his campaign. He is leveraging local unease over a proposed AI data center project in Mason, Michigan, garnering support from a surprising bipartisan coalition of residents.
Despite ideological differences, individuals like farmers Emerson Hyde and Dan Ewart, both Republicans, have found common ground with Lawrence, a former member of the Democratic Socialists of America. They view the data center issue as more critical than traditional partisan divides. Lawrence has been actively protesting data centers since last fall and advocates for halting new construction, a stance that has drawn criticism from Republican incumbent Rep. Tom Barrett. Barrett contends that Lawrence is using the data center issue to divert attention from his past progressive policy positions.
The specific Mason project involves the city council discussing the annexation of 405 acres for a potential $1 billion hyperscale facility, though an official proposal has yet to be submitted. During a contentious city council meeting, Lawrence urged members to heed residents' concerns and reject the development, referencing fears about AI's potential existential risks. Residents, including first-time primary voter Ashley Wickham, expressed their support for Lawrence due to his consistent engagement with anti-data center events.
Lawrence has also criticized Barrett for accepting donations from technology firms and supporting a past bill that would have restricted state AI regulation, a provision later removed. While some data center opponents acknowledge Lawrence's effectiveness on this issue, they express reservations about his broader political views. The article highlights how data center development is becoming a significant local political issue capable of bridging partisan divides in Michigan.