Republicans are confronting a political liability over data centers as voter concerns about rising electricity bills intensify ahead of the November midterm elections, according to party strategists. [1]
Senate Democrats blocked legislation sponsored by Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) that would have required states and some utilities to consider a standard making data centers pay additional costs caused by their large power demand [1][2]. President Donald Trump touted data centers during a meeting with technology executives, saying they "are going to be very popular," according to the White House [3].
Senate Bill Stalls as Parties Seek Political Balance
The Senate bill's failure leaves lawmakers without a legislative remedy as the campaign season enters its final weeks. Husted is in a competitive reelection bid against former Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and the data center issue has become central to that race [1][4]. Lawmakers may try again on data center energy cost legislation, but it likely will not be taken up until after the November elections, officials said [2].
Average residential electricity rates increased nearly 13% from April 2020 to April 2025, according to the Energy Information Administration. Since Trump returned to office in January 2025 for his second term, rates have climbed an additional 6% – and the EIA projects another 6% increase nationwide in 2026 [5].
Ohio Race Centers on Data Center Tax Breaks
Brown has highlighted Husted's support for data center tax breaks during his tenure as lieutenant governor, suggesting he was "the point man to bring these data centers to Ohio" [4]. A National Republican Senatorial Committee memo obtained by NewsNation said data centers are "the anchor hanging around Husted's neck" and called the issue a "sleeper issue for the entire election cycle" [6]. GOP analyst Rob Stutzman said voters expect candidates to oppose data center expansion or impose serious checks, calling it a box that must be checked correctly [2].
Data Center Debate Extends to New York
In New York, Democrat Cait Conley accused GOP Rep. Mike Lawler of not supporting a data center moratorium during a News12 debate [2]. Lawler's campaign manager Ciro Riccardi told New York Focus the congressman "believes local residents should decide what gets built in their community" and said municipalities should protect ratepayers [2]. Lawler is running in a toss-up district rated by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report [7].
Outlook: Split Republican Messaging
Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) said on Newsmax's "Wake Up America" that data centers keep electricity rates low and pay for schools, roads and jobs. "If you don't want a data center, that's fine, don't have one," he added [2].
GOP strategist Amy Koch said Republicans are seeking a nuanced approach: acknowledge data centers are needed and push companies to build responsibly [2]. Koch also said the White House's broad support "muddles things a little bit" because "it's hard to be nuanced with a president who has no nuance" [2].
References
- Sudiksha Kochi. "GOP wrestles with rising data center backlash weeks before midterms". The Hill. October 1, 2026.
- Jacki Thrapp. "How The Data Center Debate May Shape The Midterms". The Epoch Times via ZeroHedge. September 28, 2026.
- "President Trump Issues Statement After New York Enacts First Statewide Data Center Moratorium". 100PercentFedUp.com. July 15, 2026.
- "Leaked GOP Memo: Data Centers Politically Toxic, Might Cost Ohio Senate Race". Armageddon Prose. August 22, 2026.
- Sterling Ashworth. "Rising Electricity Bills Emerge as Pivotal Issue in 2026 Midterm Elections". NaturalNews.com. May 24, 2026.
- "Leaked GOP Memo: Data Centers Politically Toxic, Might Cost Ohio Senate Race". The Daily Bell. August 22, 2026.
- "Election Forecaster Moves Texas and Iowa Senate Races to Toss Ups". The Epoch Times. August 20, 2026.
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