Data centers, the huge buildings behind AI and the internet, are now a top campaign issue, and where candidates stand may affect your utility bill and your town.
Data centers have become one of the biggest issues in the 2026 elections. These are large buildings full of computers that run websites and AI tools. Communities across the country are pushing back on new ones, and candidates in both parties are now trying to show voters they are tough on them.
The fast buildout of data centers, along with the construction and costs that come with it, has sparked local opposition. It is now a major topic in many congressional and governor races. Candidates differ on how far to go. Some back a moratorium, which means a pause on new building. Democrats seem likelier to support one, but not always. Some Republicans stress local control, while others say a pause is what the moment needs.
Tech money is flowing too. Leading the Future, a super PAC backed by Marc Andreessen and OpenAI President Greg Brockman, has spent $45 million in a year. Public First Action, backed by Anthropic, says it supports AI safeguards and has raised $80 million. Both have funded Democratic and Republican-aligned groups. A newer group, Tomorrow Together, launched $4 million in ads in battleground House races.
Texas has the second-most planned data centers in the country, after Virginia. In the Senate race, Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton each released plans. Both want data centers to cover their own energy infrastructure costs and want certain tax exemptions ended. In the governor race, Democrat Gina Hinojosa calls for a statewide moratorium and accuses Gov. Greg Abbott of flip-flopping. His office celebrated a $40 billion Google investment last year, then announced an audit in August that could slow new grid connections.
In Florida, Democrat David Jolly pledges a one-year ban on giant data centers on his first day in office and has not ruled out making it permanent. Republican Byron Donalds does not want an outright ban. In July he introduced the Protecting Ratepayers Act, which would make developers fund the energy and water they need. Energy experts warn his reliance on nuclear and natural gas could raise costs for consumers.
Data centers can push up local power and water costs. So a candidate's plan may show up in your utility bill and in what gets built near you. The Texas governor race now leans Republican, and the Senate race is a toss-up, according to Cook Political Report.
Check where local candidates stand on data centers, since their plans could affect your power and water bills and what gets built nearby.
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