Big Tech claims voters’ AI backlash is “anti-Trump” not “anti-tech”
Voters supported AI and data center restrictions in 2026 elections, but Big Tech argues it reflects an anti-Trump wave rather than opposition to innovation.
Voters in the 2026 midterms backed candidates and measures restricting AI and data centers, with 38 of 44 measures passing across 10 states and pushing back on Texas governor Gina Hinojosa's plans to delay projects affecting 13 gigawatts of capacity. Analysts project nearly two-thirds of 2028 US data center capacity may face delays due to increased scrutiny on permits, utility costs, and water use. Big Tech insiders, including Chamber of Progress CEO Adam Kovacevich, downplay the results as not indicating an anti-tech mandate, while civil rights leaders cite 3 in 4 voters opposing data centers and record turnout on AI-related issues.
Unconfirmed: Industry claims that election results show no evidence of a voter mandate to crack down on AI
- 38 out of 44 data center restriction measures passed
- Texas projects face delays under Gina Hinojosa
- Nearly two-thirds of 2028 data center capacity vulnerable to scrutiny
- 3 in 4 voters opposed data centers
- More than half cited AI and data centers as key vote factors
- Vendors
- Big Tech
- Products
- AI systemsdata centers
From the original article
8 min read at arstechnica.com
Tech industry in denial as US overwhelmingly votes to restrict AI, data centers.
By Ashley Belanger · arstechnica.com
A short excerpt; the article and its images belong to the publisher. Summary, key facts and assessment above are AI-written from the article and can be wrong.