Voters Mostly Dislike AI and Data Centers, but Neither Party Has an Edge

61 percent of likely voters surveyed said they oppose the construction of AI data centers.

By Richard Lawler

Widespread Opposition to AI Data Centers

A majority of likely voters hold negative views toward artificial intelligence and the sprawling data centers that power it, according to new survey data. 61 percent of respondents said they oppose the construction of AI data centers, reflecting growing unease about the technology's rapid expansion and its physical footprint in local communities.

No Clear Political Advantage

Despite the broad unpopularity of AI infrastructure, neither major political party appears to have gained a decisive advantage on the issue. The findings suggest that AI policy remains an unsettled and unpredictable topic in American politics, one that cuts across traditional partisan lines rather than breaking cleanly along them.

A Defining Issue for 2026

The results arrive at a pivotal moment. As AI companies race to build out massive computing facilities across the country, data centers have become a flashpoint in local and national politics. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, candidates in both parties are being forced to reckon with voter anxiety over energy consumption, land use, water resources, and the broader societal impact of AI — issues that are likely to shape campaign messaging and legislative priorities in the year ahead.

What It Means

The survey points to a rare convergence: AI is advancing faster than the political consensus around it. For policymakers and industry leaders alike, the message is clear — public skepticism is deepening, and the window for building durable, trusted frameworks for AI development may be narrowing.

via The Verge AI