Data centers face growing political opposition in midterm races
Data centers have become a key issue in midterm elections, with nearly $200 billion in projects delayed or blocked in the first half of 2026 due to local opposition, according to Data Center Watch. States like Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, New York, and Virginia are tightening regulations amid public backlash over secrecy, environmental risks, and job displacement concerns.
Key points
- Nearly **$200 billion** in data center projects stalled or delayed in 2026 due to political and community opposition
- States like Virginia, New York, and Texas are proposing stricter guardrails and transparency rules
- Public anger stems from perceived secrecy, environmental concerns, and job displacement fears
Residents in affected areas—from Rust Belt towns to Brooklyn—express frustration over perceived deals between tech firms and local officials, zoning loopholes, and the rapid expansion of facilities without community input. Panelists at a midterm event noted that while some labor unions support data centers for temporary construction jobs, long-term benefits remain unclear. Critics argue the industry’s growth exacerbates inequality, with tech executives and billionaires like Elon Musk facing calls for greater accountability and taxation.
Data centers are now a midterm issue, even in Brooklyn
TechCrunch AI · 1 November 2026
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