Tech Industry Faces Growing Backlash Ahead of US Midterm Elections

Keypoints:

• AI data centres have become a major issue in the November 3 US midterm elections.
• Rising electricity bills and environmental concerns are fuelling public opposition.
• Democrats and Republicans are increasingly questioning Big Tech's influence.
• Tech companies have spent heavily on political campaigns and lobbying.
• Proposed restrictions could delay data centre projects and increase costs.
• Voters are demanding greater accountability from AI companies and tech executives.

The technology industry has become a major target in the US midterm election campaigns as growing opposition to artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres reshapes political debates. Candidates from both parties are raising concerns about the industry's influence, rising electricity costs and the environmental effects of large computing facilities. More than 150 campaign advertisements have focused on data centres or AI, reflecting the issue's growing importance in the November 3 elections.

Data centres, which power AI systems and other digital services, have drawn criticism over their demand for electricity, water and land. Residents in several communities fear that new facilities could increase household energy bills, damage farmland and strain local resources. A Pew Research poll cited by The Guardian found that only 4% of respondents believed data centres would benefit the environment or household energy costs. At least 20 gubernatorial candidates have called for temporary suspensions on new data centre construction.

The backlash has also created divisions within the Republican Party, despite President Donald Trump's support for AI development. Some Republican candidates are calling for stricter oversight or slower expansion as they respond to local opposition. Democrats have made data centre costs and environmental concerns part of their campaigns, accusing some opponents of favouring technology companies over local communities. Concerns about AI-powered surveillance cameras have added another dimension to the debate.

Technology companies and their executives have also invested heavily in political campaigns. The Guardian reported that tech industry figures and related political groups had spent more than $500 million to influence the 2026 elections and ballot measures. Elon Musk has contributed heavily to Republican-aligned political groups, while other AI industry figures and companies have funded organisations supporting greater regulation. The spending has intensified questions about how much influence wealthy executives have over technology policy.

The growing opposition could affect future investment in AI infrastructure. Stricter regulations, local construction restrictions and additional scrutiny could increase project costs or delay development. However, data centres remain central to the technology industry's expansion, and some policymakers are concerned that excessive restrictions could weaken US competitiveness in AI. Technology companies face pressure to address public concerns without slowing the infrastructure growth that supports their businesses.

The November 3 midterm elections are emerging as an important test of public attitudes towards AI and the companies developing it. Although the economy, healthcare and democracy remain major voter concerns, technology has gained greater visibility in campaign debates. The outcome could influence future rules on data centre construction, AI oversight and corporate political spending. The growing backlash signals that voters increasingly want a say in how AI infrastructure affects their communities and who benefits from its expansion.