Republicans warn data center backlash could cost GOP Ohio Senate seat
Senate Republicans are concerned that voter backlash against data centers in Ohio could jeopardize their chances of defending Sen. John Husted's seat in the upcoming election. Democratic opponent Sherrod Brown has made data center opposition a central part of his campaign, citing concerns over utility bills and resource strain. This issue is becoming a significant factor in political races across the country.
Senate Republicans are expressing alarm that public backlash against data centers could negatively impact the GOP's efforts to retain Sen. John Husted's seat in Ohio this November. A memo from the National Republican Senatorial Committee to AI companies in Ohio, obtained by ABC News, indicates a "dead heat" between Husted and his Democratic challenger, former Sen. Sherrod Brown, and highlights data centers as a significant liability for Husted.
Brown has positioned his campaign against Husted by blaming him for attracting data centers to Ohio and linking him to tax breaks granted by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine's administration. In response, Ohio Democratic Party spokesman Tony Wen stated that Ohioans will hold Husted accountable for rising utility bills. Governor DeWine recently paused new tax exemptions for data centers, and Senator Husted has proposed federal standards to ensure data centers cover their own power generation costs, preventing price hikes for consumers.
The debate over data centers, which are critical for AI but demand substantial land, water, and energy, is resonating with voters. A recent Gallup poll showed 71% of Americans oppose data center construction in their areas due to concerns about quality of life, local resources, and utility costs. President Donald Trump, however, advocated for local leaders to embrace data centers, citing significant job creation and tax revenue.
This issue extends beyond Ohio, with other governors like New York's Kathy Hochul and Pennsylvania's Josh Shapiro implementing measures to limit or pause data center development, and politicians in Wisconsin and Texas also leveraging the issue in their campaigns.