AI data centers were a major factor for more than half of voters in the 2026 midterm elections. Although it’s not the most critical issue, voters made their opinions on data centers clear.
Large majorities nationally and in all Senate Battlegrounds opposed to building one in their community, according to CBS News Exit Polls.
This opposition benefited Democratic candidates – most of those who opposed data centers supported Democrats. But most self-identified Republicans also expressed resistance to the idea of having a new data center in their area, even though they overwhelmingly voted for Republican candidates.
Opinions about data centers are linked to voters’ opinions about AI more generally.
Those who see AI doing more harm than good (which is the case for most voters) are opposed to data centers in their community. Voters who think AI will help society are more willing to have one.
Candidates like Democratic Sen.-elect Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa in Texas, among others, have made data centers a central part of their campaigns.
Here are voters’ opinions on data centers in some states. In each of them, there has been overwhelming opposition to new data centers in urban, suburban and rural areas.
CBS News Poll conducted earlier this year found that public skepticism about having a data center in their area was fueled by perceived negative impacts on the environment and resources. However, more people think that data centers could be beneficial rather than harmful to local tax revenues.
The CBS News exit poll team surveyed thousands of voters across the country at polling places on Election Day and in the weeks leading up to Election Day. This is how the poll of voters has been carried out.
Results will continue to be updated as more votes are counted.
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