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The increasing demand for AI infrastructure is driving the expansion of data centers across the globe. Two months after OpenAI and Oracle initiated construction of a large data center in Saline Township, Michigan, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed used the controversial site as a focal point for his campaign. El-Sayed, supported by community activists, emphasized the need for federal regulations on data center approvals, echoing local concerns.
“I stand with local and state elected officials saying that we cannot approve any more of these until we have federal-level guardrails,” El-Sayed declared.
Data centers are crucial for AI development but face opposition from the public. A Gallup poll revealed that 70% of Americans oppose having AI data centers constructed nearby. Consequently, political candidates are addressing this backlash. El-Sayed secured his primary victory earlier this week, with data centers intersecting his campaign themes of populist economics and political reform.
“Unless and until we protect local communities from the power of corrupting money and politics, we’re going to continue to see projects like this get pushed on to local communities despite themselves,” El-Sayed warned.
In Ohio, Republican governor nominee Vivek Ramaswamy launched the “Ohioans-first data center pledge,” proposing legislation and advocating for a temporary halt on data center developments. Ramaswamy highlighted concerns about increased electric bills, noise, pollution, and vague economic benefits from the data center industry, suggesting companies should pay power bills for nearby residents.
Ohio Democrat candidate for governor Amy Acton has also announced a “conditional moratorium” aligning with the criticism that Ramaswamy does not prioritize community protection.
Democrat William Lawrence, representing Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, integrated the data center issue into his campaign due to voter interest, resulting in four proposed data centers since his candidacy announcement.
In Wisconsin, Francesca Hong, campaigning for the Democratic governor nomination, has gained support by calling for a data center moratorium until adequate regulations are in place. Hong leverages the widespread concern over the economic and environmental impact of AI data centers.
During a campaign event, supporter Peggy McCrumb praised Hong’s stand against data centers, reflecting voter sentiment.
“I don’t think anyone wants data centers, and she’s the only one who stands up against it,” noted McCrumb. “So she’s actually listening to what people want.”
Hong’s approach transcends typical partisan lines, says Amanda Litman of Run For Something. She notes widespread anxiety across varied demographics due to the perceived threats from AI data centers.
“We’re hearing it from urban, from rural, from suburban,” Litman said. “We’re hearing it in red states, blue states, purple states. It’s all kinds of communities, which I think is really speaking to how visceral people feel this is coming for them.”
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