Data-center opposition reaches the ballot box

The ballot activity was not uniformly anti-development: of 41 data-center-related measures across 10 states, 28 would limit construction and 13 would facilitate it, Ballotpedia reported[2]. Ohio led with 21 measures, followed by Illinois with seven, Maine with four and Kansas with three[2]. The Washington Post separately reported that voters in at least 29 jurisdictions passed data-center bans or restrictions on Tuesday[1]. Axios said about two dozen proposals designed to restrict or block development appeared to pass based on initial returns[3].

Gizmodo cited Gallup polling in which more than 70% of U.S. adults opposed building data centers in their area[4]. Supporters cited by Gizmodo point to job growth, tax revenue and stronger local economies; opponents describe the facilities as noisy polluters that increase electricity and housing costs[4]. Axios characterized the election results as a sign of distrust in the AI race and said voters wanted rules for AI and data centers[3]. The ballot measures therefore reflect debate over both local impacts and the pace and oversight of expansion.

Axios reported that Democrat Gina Hinojosa won the Texas governor’s race and could reshape the outlook for data-center construction in the state[3]. Hinojosa campaigned to keep a construction moratorium in place until Texas passes legislation addressing impacts on water, electricity, air and property rights[3]. Texas accounts for 41% of new U.S. data-center capacity in 2028, according to SemiAnalysis, as cited by Axios[3]. Axios said a moratorium lasting more than six months could cause extended delays there[3].

Axios estimated that nearly two-thirds of data-center capacity planned for 2028 could face delays, while noting that most political analysts did not expect Democrats to permanently block construction[3]. The outlet also said most U.S. data centers expected in 2027 were already under construction[3]. Democrats won Ohio, Georgia and Arizona, which Axios identified as the states following Texas in planned data-center capacity[3]. Winning candidates in Ohio and Georgia favored restrictive policies, but Axios said their plans were not yet clear[3]. Separately, Ballotpedia reported that 38 states had created tax incentives to encourage data-center construction as of April 2026[2].