US Midterm Voters Broadly Support Restrictions on AI and Data Centers
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In the 2026 US midterm elections, voters showed broad support for restrictions on AI and data centers. According to Ars Technica, 44 data center restriction measures went to the ballot across 10 states, with 38 passing. Voters also elected candidates who support tightening AI regulation. In Texas, Democrat Gina Hinojosa won the gubernatorial election, with plans to delay data center projects until laws protecting water and power resources, air, and property rights are passed. Bloomberg estimates about 13GW of data center capacity will be affected; Axios estimates that nearly two-thirds of 2028 data center capacity could face similar delays. In response to the election results, the tech industry denied that this signals an anti-tech wave. Key developments so far: restriction measures passed in large numbers, multiple candidates supporting tighter AI regulation were elected, and winners plan measures such as delaying data center projects, while the industry denies the notion of an "anti-tech wave."
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- Ars Technica · AISelectedBig Tech claims voters’ AI backlash is “anti-Trump” not “anti-tech”
In the US midterm elections, 38 of 44 data center restriction measures across 10 states passed, and voters also elected candidates who support tightening AI regulation. Democrat Gina Hinojosa won the Texas governor's race and plans to delay data center projects until laws protecting water, electricity, air and property rights are passed; Bloomberg says about 13GW of data center capacity is affected, and Axios estimates nearly two-thirds of 2028 data center capacity could face similar delays.
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