Voters back data center limits in 40 of 41 local ballot fights
Why it matters: Democrats who won key races also campaigned to tighten rules on water, power use and costs tied to AI server projects.
Voters largely rejected data center expansion in this week's midterm elections, siding with restrictions in 40 of 41 local ballot measures across 10 states, while Democrats who captured key offices pledged tougher oversight of the industry. The backlash centered on worries about electricity prices, water use and affordability as artificial intelligence infrastructure expands. ABC reported that Democrats flipped governorships in Texas, Ohio, Georgia, Nevada and Iowa, states seen as major data center hubs. Data Center Watch found that 32 of 34 winning governors in called races supported stronger regulation or restrictions, including 12 who backed bans or moratoriums.