Red counties with data center projects swung away from GOP in midterms, analysis finds
Humans First's Amy Kremer warns data centers are driving voters away from Republicans as local control and property rights fuel community backlash.
TL;DR
- Analysis by Humans First found that counties with large data centers or proposed projects shifted 2.2 percentage points more toward Democrats in midterms compared to non-host counties.
- The pattern was observed in 14 out of 16 states examined, with Republican vote totals falling in deep-red host counties while Democratic totals remained stable.
- The group attributes this shift to data centers personally affecting voters' quality of life, finances, and community, leading to political engagement.
- Voters favored restrictions on data center development in 46 out of 47 local ballot measures in 2026.
- Humans First advocates for local control over data center projects, emphasizing property rights and community decision-making.
- Data centers are projected to significantly increase their electricity consumption, raising concerns about grid infrastructure costs and potential rate hikes for consumers.