Data center concerns emerge as a key issue in midterm elections

Jack Brewster, founder of Newsreel, intended the event to foster discussion about the election, but conversations quickly centered on AI, data centers, and the growing unease surrounding the tech industry’s influence.

Data center projects face increasing opposition. A recent report from Data Center Watch indicated that nearly $200 billion in data center projects were delayed or blocked in the first half of 2026 due to political and community resistance. Several states, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, New York, and Virginia – nicknamed the “data center capital of the world” – are considering stricter regulations and increased transparency regarding data center development. Virginia alone has plans for hundreds of new facilities.

A conversation with New York City Council member Chi Ossé highlighted this sentiment. Ossé expressed a desire for greater accountability from tech executives and suggested that trillionaires like Elon Musk should face higher taxes. He advocated for congressional testimony from CEOs whose technologies could significantly impact human civilization.

A panel discussion featuring Maia Woluchem and Hilary Flint explored the concerns surrounding data centers. The moderator observed that the audience largely reacted negatively when asked if they supported AI data centers, reflecting broader anxieties about the industry’s impact. These concerns include secret deals between tech companies and local officials, unclear zoning regulations, and worries about environmental and health risks.

“What is a life worth?” asked Hilary Flint, emphasizing that communities value their well-being more than temporary financial incentives associated with data center construction.

Later discussions, involving NewsNation host Batya Ungar-Sargon, political strategist Morris Katz, and Vox’s Astead Herndon, initially intended to focus on the Democratic Party’s future, again drifted towards data centers. Ungar-Sargon noted that while some labor unions support data centers for the jobs they create, these positions are often temporary. Katz voiced skepticism, pointing out that the same institutions responsible for job losses are now attempting to secure remaining opportunities.

Observations from attendees revealed a widespread desire to limit the influence of money in politics. The evening concluded with conversations continuing in smaller groups, further demonstrating the prominence of AI and data center concerns, even in a place like Brooklyn where these facilities are not highly visible.

According to Brewster, the topic resonated even in RSVP responses, reflecting a broader trend where “AI has become an election issue for regular voters.” He distinguished the concerns in rural areas, where voters feel threatened by job displacement, from those in Brooklyn, where the focus is on the economic benefits accruing to a select few. Several attendees cited the AI assistant startup Instinct and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as examples of noteworthy developments in the tech sector this year. One attendee noted the growing perception of AI-generated art as signifying a lack of quality, contributing to a renewed appreciation for handmade artistry, as exemplified by Prada and Hermès’ recent campaigns.