Data center backlash is uniting America

What happened: Rapid buildout of data centers and the infrastructure and costs that come with them has sparked local opposition across US communities and become a major issue in congressional and gubernatorial campaigns in 2026. Key numbers: Leading the Future, a super PAC backed by Marc Andreessen and Greg Brockman, has spent $45 million in a year. Why it matters: Data centers are activating voters across the political spectrum while tech money flows into the same races, making the issue a campaign flashpoint. Coverage: 9 outlets in 24h

Rapid buildout of data centers and the infrastructure and costs that come with them has sparked local opposition across US communities and become a major issue in congressional and gubernatorial campaigns in 2026.

Data centers are activating voters across the political spectrum while tech money flows into the same races, making the issue a campaign flashpoint.