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Why the Data Center Backlash Has Republicans on the Back Foot

Spending on data centers, the backbone of the artificial intelligence industry, has reached new highs in 2026. In response to the infrastructure boom, opposition to the facilities has exploded this year, escalating from a niche local issue to a defining topic ahead of the November midterm elections. Almost overnight, candidates across the political spectrum have reshaped their messaging in response to a grassroots backlash against a build-out backed by hundreds of billions of dollars in tech spe