Data Centers Shift Voting Patterns in Republican Strongholds
FIRST ON FOX: A recent study from a conservative AI safety organization has revealed a notable trend: counties in deep-red regions that host large data centers or have proposed such projects tilted more toward the Democratic Party in the latest midterm elections compared to similar counties without these projects.
The analysis, conducted by Humans First and shared with Fox News Digital, scrutinized public election results and records of data center projects across 1,540 counties in 16 states. The report highlighted what the organization refers to as a “data center penalty,” indicating that counties with significant data centers showed a 2.2 percentage point shift toward Democratic candidates compared to their non-host counterparts. This trend was evident in 14 out of the 16 states and 25 of the 27 gubernatorial and Senate races reviewed.
Findings in Deep-Red Counties
When focusing exclusively on deep-red counties—those that backed President Donald Trump by 20 points or more in the 2024 elections—the analysis documented a 2.1 percentage point decline for Republicans in counties with data center projects compared to comparable counties without them. Counties still considering data centers exhibited a gap of 1.1 percentage points after adjusting for factors such as prior voting behavior, urban-rural distinctions, population demographics, and recent electoral trends.
Emerging Opposition to Data Center Expansion
The report from Humans First identifies 114 proposed data center projects across 92 deep-red counties, indicating potential local conflicts. Republicans in these host counties saw a 1.1% decrease in votes, while Democratic support remained stable. However, the study cautioned that these results indicate a correlation, not causation, meaning it cannot definitively conclude that data centers led to changes in voter behavior.
Amy Kremer, Chairwoman of Humans First, stated, “Our analysis showed that counties with data centers shifted to the left. This aligns with my observations that people engage politically when issues directly impact their lives, particularly regarding finances, healthcare, and community wellbeing. Data centers touch on all these areas, contributing to the shift away from Republican candidates.”
Community Engagement and Local Control
Humans First recently concluded a “Data Center Revolt” bus tour, stopping in 27 states and specifically targeting deep-red counties with existing data center projects. The tour participants assessed the electoral shifts, indicating a 2.2 percentage point move toward Democrats in these specific locales after accounting for other variables.
Voting results also highlighted a preference for limiting data center developments; in 46 out of 47 local ballot measures in 2026, voters supported restrictions or rejected initiatives aimed at promoting such projects. Kremer underlined that these discussions focus on local governance, asserting that communities should have the authority to decide whether to welcome or reject data center projects based on their specific needs.
“Communities voting for a moratorium is their prerogative, as is their choice to accept a data center. It’s all about local control,” she emphasized.
Concerns Over Energy Costs and Infrastructure
The analysis arrives amid broader discussions regarding how data centers should bear the costs associated with the electricity and infrastructure they demand. According to estimates from the Energy Department, data centers consumed 4.7% of the U.S. electricity in 2024, with projections suggesting they could account for 11.8% by 2030. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has urged regional grid operators to ensure that large electricity users do not inadvertently shift costs to the general public.
Kremer argued that while tax incentives vary by state—38 states currently offer them—individual communities should determine the fiscal impact of data centers on their local economies. She added, “These projects can significantly influence quality of life, affecting household expenses while the richest corporations benefit from tax incentives.”
The Road Ahead for Local Communities
While Humans First does not advocate for a nationwide or statewide ban on data centers, Kremer expressed a desire for localities to retain the power to approve or reject such developments based on community feedback. She concluded, “When residents are informed, they engage with issues that matter to them. It’s crucial that we restore control to local communities and ensure their voices are heard in determining what impacts their lives.”
Chief Editor of Quincy City Beat — Quincy, MA's independent investigative newspaper covering Greater Boston and the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts with fearless public accountability and free access for all readers.
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