AI data centers comprehensively defeated at US midterm elections

Across roughly 40 localities in 13 states, voters considered about 45 measures addressing data center development, from outright bans and temporary moratoriums to limits on project size, energy use, or particular sites. Early counts show strong opposition: 33 restrictions have passed, six more were leading, and only one had failed, with five results still unavailable. A separate tally similarly found all 33 measures to limit development on track to pass, while 11 of 13 proposals supporting data centers appeared headed for defeat. Voters also recalled local officials who had backed data center projects, including leaders in Piqua, Ohio, and Yukon, Oklahoma.

The results signal a political obstacle for the Trump administration’s push to expand U.S. AI infrastructure, amid public concerns about higher electricity bills, noise, and other effects on nearby communities. Federal efforts to reassure residents - including commitments that companies pay their own energy costs and provide local benefits - did not appear to shift voter sentiment. The votes may shape future projects, but their effect on construction already underway remains uncertain: only three developments totaling 2.3 gigawatts have been delayed by more than 300 local bans, while 38 gigawatts are expected online by 2027. The scale of planned investment suggests the industry will continue, though opposition could encourage smaller projects or change where and how facilities are built.