Exit polls show voter resistance to local AI data centers in 2026 midterms
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
CBS News exit polls indicate that majorities of voters in the 2026 midterm elections opposed building AI data centers in their communities, with the issue crossing party lines and affecting candidate support.
CBS News exit polls conducted on Election Day and in the surrounding weeks found that most voters in the 2026 midterm elections opposed the construction of AI data centers in their neighborhoods. The opposition was reported nationwide and in every Senate battleground state, across urban, suburban and rural areas alike.
Although the issue was not the top priority for voters, it was closely tied to broader attitudes toward artificial intelligence. Voters who believed AI poses more risks than benefits were more likely to reject local data centers, while those who viewed AI positively were more receptive.
The sentiment had an effect on candidate performance: many Democratic candidates who opposed data centers, such as Sen.-elect Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa of Texas, received support from voters who held that view. However, a substantial share of self-identified Republicans also expressed resistance to new data centers, even though they largely voted for Republican candidates.
Earlier CBS News polling linked the skepticism to concerns about environmental impact and resource use, though some respondents saw potential tax-revenue benefits from data centers. The exit poll surveyed thousands of voters at polling locations, and results will be updated as additional votes are tallied.