Artificial intelligence data centres emerge as major issue in US midterms

Artificial intelligence has emerged as a major issue on the campaign trail for the 2026 United States midterm elections. Opposition to new data centres in Georgia is drawing supporters from across political divides due to concerns over utility bills, ecological risks, and corporate interests, France 24 reported. [1]

The elections will take place during the second term of President Donald Trump. According to the Daily Express, President Trump told a rally in Georgia to pretend he was on the ballot. National economic pressures and low approval ratings have made traditionally safe Republican states competitive ahead of the vote. [1][2]

The United States midterm elections on November 3, 2026, will determine all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate [4]. Public backlash over energy and water consumption by data centres has previously prompted President Trump to suggest that developers pay dividends to local communities [7]. [4][7]

Local residents in rural Georgia districts have voiced dismay over sprawling data centre developments built near residential properties. Opposition continues to grow as voters head to the polls to decide control of Congress, France 24 reported. [1]