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Data centers were not winners in the 2026 elections, CBS News exit polls find
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Over half of voters in the 2026 midterm elections considered AI data centers an important issue, with a majority opposing new data centers in their communities according to CBS News exit polls.
- Opposition to data centers was widespread across political affiliations, benefiting Democratic candidates who generally opposed data centers, although many Republicans also resisted local data center construction.
- Voter attitudes toward data centers closely aligned with their broader views on AI, with those perceiving AI as harmful opposing data centers, while supporters of AI were more receptive.
- Candidates like Democratic Sen.-elect Sherrod Brown and Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa highlighted data centers as a key campaign issue, reflecting the topic’s significance in multiple states.
- Public skepticism about data centers stems mainly from environmental and resource concerns, though many voters acknowledged potential benefits for local tax revenue.
