Data centers might be the boogeyman of the 2026 election. As anxiety about the impact of AI on the economy—and of hyperscaler facilities on local communities—ramps up, politicians on both sides of the aisle have distanced themselves from the industry.
But not everyone. Even as Americans express growing discomfort with data centers, some politicians are still making the case for these massive AI projects, arguing that they represent a promising economic opportunity or are necessary to ensure America’s competitiveness. Others are taking a more conditional approach, supporting development while insisting on local approval, protections for electricity customers, or other restrictions.
The divide doesn’t necessarily follow party lines. Nor is it always a simple question of support or opposition. In Maryland, for example, Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox is calling for a moratorium on hyperscale projects, while Democratic governor Wes Moore has established new requirements for developers, insisting that they “pay their own way.” Both candidates have previously supported measures encouraging the industry.
Fast Company identified a range of politicians who have championed data centers, either recently or during the current campaign. Some remain enthusiastic supporters of their expansion, while others are emphasizing stricter conditions as the backlash grows and the midterms draw closer. Still others have shifted their approach considerably. We reached out to every candidate’s office for comment.
Bruce Blakeman, who is challenging New York governor Kathy Hochul, might be one of the most vocal champions of data centers this campaign season. Blakeman, an attorney, argues that data centers represent a major economic opportunity for the state.
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