Voters gave a big middle finger to data centers
Voters in multiple states rejected data centers in the 2024 elections, approving over 30 ballot measures to limit their growth amid concerns over energy use and local impacts.
Americans signaled strong opposition to data centers during the 2024 elections, electing candidates who campaigned against their expansion and approving more than 30 ballot measures aimed at restricting these facilities. The trend followed Virginia’s 2023 gubernatorial race, where Democrat Abigail Spanberger won on a platform to curb data centers’ power demand, reflecting growing unease in a state hosting over 700 such facilities.
Democratic candidates in Great Lakes states and the South made data center regulation a central campaign issue, with wins in Michigan, Ohio, Georgia, and Texas. In Georgia, Sen. Jon Ossoff’s reelection highlighted criticism of data centers’ impact on power bills, while Gov.-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms pledged a pause on new construction. Texas candidates James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa also secured victories after promising stricter regulations.
Even some Republicans joined the push against data centers, such as Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers, who called for a one-year moratorium. However, industry-backed support in South Carolina’s Sen. Darline Graham’s campaign failed to secure her reelection. Across dozens of counties and municipalities, voters approved measures to rein in data centers, signaling broad discontent with their rapid expansion.
Energy costs and utility bills were key voter concerns, with high gasoline prices and heating expenses driving dissatisfaction. In Maine, where half the residents rely on heating oil, voters ousted Sen. Susan Collins. Nine states had utility regulatory board elections on the ballot, with Georgia voters flipping their Public Service Commission to Democratic control for the first time in 30 years.