Data center boom puts GOP in a bind before midterm elections

What happened: Data centers have become a major midterm issue, dividing the Trump administration from Republicans in state and federal races as local opposition grows. Key numbers: 68% of data centers online in 2025 were in red states; 75% under construction and 80% planned are in Republican states. Opposition outweighs support by 30 points. Why it matters: Republican candidates face a choice between backing Trump or voters, which could pause, raise costs for, or cancel projects. Some allies, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, have broken with Trump on permits.

Data centers have become a major midterm issue, dividing the Trump administration from Republicans in state and federal races as local opposition grows.

Republican candidates face a choice between backing Trump or voters, which could pause, raise costs for, or cancel projects. Some allies, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, have broken with Trump on permits.