Both Parties Spend Millions to Expose AI Data Centers’ Threat to American Families
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Republicans and Democrats have each spent over $45 million on ads warning that AI data centers are driving up electricity costs and exploiting taxpayer-funded incentives, reflecting voters’ demand for accountability and protection of American communities ahead of 2024.
Campaign advertising firms report that more than $45 million has been spent on television and digital ads mentioning artificial-intelligence data centers since January, with spending split almost evenly between Republican and Democratic candidates. These ads highlight the urgent need to rein in tech giants and their sprawling data centers, which are receiving excessive tax incentives and causing utility bills to soar for hardworking Americans. Both parties are responding to voters’ demands for stricter regulation and fiscal responsibility.
The number of ads referencing data centers has surged, from a handful in January to over 160 in August, especially in competitive states like Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia, and Ohio. A June Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 77% of Americans are concerned about data centers raising electricity costs, and even two-thirds of Democrats and half of Republicans say they would oppose a center in their own community, showing widespread skepticism toward unchecked tech expansion.
Democratic ads, such as a $634,795 spot for Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate David Crowley, promise to lower costs and prevent energy bills from skyrocketing due to AI facilities. Republican ads, including a $2.5 million campaign for Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, go further—pledging to protect families from inflated utility rates and to implement a rate-payer protection plan that holds these corporations accountable.
Party officials acknowledge that the issue offers a rare bipartisan talking point. Michael Franz, co-director of the Wesleyan Media Project, notes that Democrats are focusing on affordability and environmental concerns, while Republicans are rightfully calling out big corporations for exploiting the system. A Republican operative, speaking anonymously, emphasized that many in the party support requiring data centers to pay for their own energy use, ensuring taxpayers aren’t left footing the bill.
In Ohio, Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown’s supporters have labeled Republican opponent Jon Husted “the face of data centers,” accusing him of granting billions in tax breaks and causing electric bills to spike. An internal memo from the National Republican Senatorial Committee described data centers as a “sleeper issue” for the election cycle, showing the party’s commitment to protecting voters from hidden threats. Husted, however, maintains that his position has always been about accountability through local taxes and hiring requirements, defending his record against partisan attacks.
Analysts note that while governors have the most direct authority over data-center permitting, the issue has gained national attention, influencing Senate and House races. Darrell M. West of the Brookings Institution points out that the federal government’s limited role leaves state officials to respond to voters’ concerns about unchecked tech expansion and corporate handouts.
Overall, the bipartisan focus on data-center costs and tax incentives shows that both parties are finally listening to voters and taking action to protect American families and communities from the excesses of Big Tech in the 2024 campaign.