Voters Poised to Punish Politicians for Data Centers

The Wall Street Journal addresses the question Will Voters Punish Politicians for Data Centers?

In the Midwest, where sprawling facilities are rising on farmland and former factory sites, the issue has become a—if not the—central political focus.

Many of the fights remain hyperlocal, having more to do with city councils than U.S. senators. But constituents are demanding action from federal and state candidates. With early voting expected to start in days, both parties are anxiously waiting to see how far data-center concerns will reach up the ballot.

In Pataskala, east of Columbus, the City Council in August rejected a 200-megawatt data center following vocal opposition from residents. Now, opponents are pushing for a charter amendment that would block such centers in the future.

Brandyn Bernard, 37 years old, a longtime Pataskala resident who voted for President Trump three times, helped push for the ban out of health, environmental and cost concerns.

"I asked for help from Republicans, and I got nothing," said Bernard, an executive chef for a healthcare company. He flew a MAGA flag from his home in 2024. Today, he has a sign supporting the ban alongside those for two local Democratic candidates. Bernard plans to vote for Democrats this fall.

Polls reflect widespread voter angst. A September Bowling Green State University survey of 1,000 likely Ohio voters found that 70% viewed data centers as bad for the environment and 69% saw them as bad for home-energy costs. Almost eight in 10 favored a temporary construction pause. A Michigan State University poll found more than two-thirds of Michigan respondents opposed local data centers, while a national Wall Street Journal survey showed 62% supported pausing development, with 39% calling it a top priority.

In Ohio, data centers feature heavily in the Senate race between Republican Sen. Jon Husted, 59, and Democratic former Sen. Sherrod Brown, 73.