Voters in Key Midterm Districts Reject Corporate AI Data Centers, Poll Shows
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A new NBC News poll reveals overwhelming opposition to AI data centers among swing district voters, highlighting bipartisan resistance to corporate tech expansion that threatens local resources, despite some Republican leaders’ support.
A poll commissioned by NBC News and conducted in late August found that 69% of respondents in eight swing districts across the United States oppose the construction of AI data centers in their local area, with 45% saying they strongly oppose the projects. This widespread opposition transcends party lines: 57% of Republican respondents, 81% of Democrats, and 71% of independents do not want these corporate tech behemoths invading their communities.
Local officials, such as Buchanan County, Iowa, Republican supervisor Dawn Vogel, have taken a stand against unchecked corporate expansion, voting for temporary moratoriums on data-center development. They cite critical concerns about water use and land allocation—resources that should be protected for the public good, not handed over to profit-driven tech giants. Vogel emphasized, “It’s about what’s the best use for the land, what’s the best use for our natural resources,” highlighting that residents have not asked for these data centers.
National progressive leaders like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders are championing the people’s interests, proposing a nationwide moratorium to halt the reckless spread of data centers. Meanwhile, some Republican officials, who once courted Big Tech, are now forced to acknowledge the need for regulations to ensure utility companies charge operators for their excessive electricity and water consumption.
Voters interviewed along Interstate 80 voiced deep anxieties that data centers could drive up utility costs and deplete precious water supplies. Democratic voter Tamara Clark called the facilities “troublesome because it drives utility costs for citizens in the area.” Jordan Cloe, an electrician from Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, questioned the lack of transparency around water consumption, noting, “they gobbled that up.”
While labor unions representing data-center workers point to the jobs and wages these facilities provide—some workers report weekly earnings up to $5,000 including overtime—the broader community impact cannot be ignored. Even workers suggest that proponents and critics must collaborate to address the legitimate concerns of local residents.
Yet, President Donald Trump continues to push for data-center development as a supposed path to economic growth, claiming communities “should not want Data Centers … if they want to be successful and rich, with far lower taxes and jobs all over the place.” This rhetoric, favoring corporate interests over environmental and community well-being, stands in stark contrast to the clear will of the people. As the November midterm elections approach, the debate over AI data-center expansion exposes the urgent need to prioritize environmental justice and community voices over corporate profits.