Underdog Democrats lean into data center concerns

[RandySF]

An explosion in data center construction across the nation is fueling underdogs in key races as candidates look to win the messaging war on affordability.

Democrats from Georgia to Michigan are trying to turn concern about the energy-hungry facilities to their advantage as voters fret about its impact on electricity bills.

And while polling suggests the data center debate is far from being a top-tier midterm subject, the issue is bubbling up as a wedge for lesser-known candidates looking to differentiate themselves from the pack.

“Running away from these issues is, frankly, bad politics. It’s cowardly politics,” said Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan, a hot spot for data center clashes.




https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/25/midterm-underdogs-rally-around-data-center-politics-00773692

[Marie Marie]

1. This IS important. Talk to anyone who lives near one of these monster facilities.

[phylny]

2. Good, as we should.

Our eldest and her husband live in Loudoun County, VA. There's a home probably worth $1.5 million or more that backs up right next to a data center. Our former neighborhood that had beautiful, green grass from Route 50 all the way to the neighborhood is packed with data centers. They are an eyesore and noisy.

[dalton99a]

3. Kick

[Initech]

4. The big question is WTf are they doing?

What is their ultimate end game with all the data mining, AI processing, etc? What are they planning?

[617Blue]

5. There needs to be legislation. Tramp's little handshake with the tech psychos means zip.