Ahead of the 2026 midterms, a growing number of Republican candidates across the United States are embracing local opposition to AI data center construction, breaking from the Trump administration's pro-expansion stance.
2026 Midterms · AI Infrastructure Politics
GOP Candidates Break Ranks Over AI Data Centers
Ahead of the 2026 midterms, a growing number of Republican candidates in Missouri, Pennsylvania and Utah are embracing local opposition to AI data center buildout — breaking from the Trump administration's pro-expansion stance.
70%
of Americans oppose local data center construction (Gallup)
$156B
48 projects delayed or canceled by opposition in 2025
85%
opposed in Missouri's Montgomery County (1,461 surveyed)
Opposition to Local Data Centers
Share opposed, by group — backlash spans party lines
63%
Republicans
The Pennsylvania Flashpoint: Electricity Prices
2025 power price increase — Pennsylvania vs. the national average
Local Grievances
Tax breaks shift the burden — 70% property tax abatement over 25 years
Rising power & water costs strain households
Farmland loss (300 acres cited in Missouri)
Public input comes "after the deal is signed"
The Political Split
Local GOP: transparency laws, special sessions, mandatory public comment
Trump-aligned: AI-driven growth and jobs
Gov. Abbott (TX) proposes regulation; NY weighs 1-year moratorium
Utah Senate President Adams lost his primary
Major Investments Fueling the Backlash
$20B
Amazon · Pennsylvania
$15B
Google · New Florence, MO (934 acres)
$10B
Amazon · New Florence, MO
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