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US midterm candidates find something to agree on: Reining in datacenters

Policy1 min read

Candidates running for governor in the 2026 US midterm elections mostly backed limits on new datacenters. Datacenters are huge buildings full of computers that power AI and the internet.

Candidates Agree: Slow Down Datacenters

A research group called Data Center Watch checked the public views of 74 candidates for governor. Nearly all of them supported some kind of limit. Some wanted a full ban or pause on new projects. Others wanted more rules before building.

The Key Numbers

  • 43% of candidates backed a ban or moratorium (a official pause) on new projects.
  • 51% backed more rules or building only under certain conditions.
  • About 5% took no clear public position.
  • 60% of Democrats backed bans or pauses, compared with 30% of Republicans.
  • Both parties backed limits in 8 states: Maryland, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Texas.

Why Texas Matters

Texas has seen a big boom in datacenter building because it has plenty of energy and light rules. Outgoing governor Greg Abbott ordered a temporary pause earlier this year so that energy and water use could be checked. Democrat Gina Hinojosa beat Abbott and will take office in January.

Why This Matters

Governors can shape state rules on energy, water, and building permits. So their views can change where and how datacenters get built. Many people also worry about datacenters near their homes, higher power bills, and the environment. A Gallup survey found that more than 70% of Americans would oppose one in their neighborhood.

What to Watch

  • Whether the new governors actually pass pauses or new rules once they take office.
  • The results of the Texas audits of energy and water use.
  • How much money AI-focused political groups spend in future races.
  • Whether more states follow the same path of limits on datacenters.

Glossary

Data Center Watch
A group that tracks grassroots opposition to datacenters across the United States.
Gallup
A research company that runs public opinion surveys.
moratorium
An official pause or freeze on an activity for a set time.

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