Midterms fuel push to restrict AI data centers

After the midterms, voters and Democrats are pressing limits on AI data centers as OpenAI adjusts its local playbook.

November 3 midterm results put Democrats in full control of Congress and elevated voter opposition to AI data-center buildout. TechCrunch reports that voters decided 41 related ballot measures and, in all but one, backed more restrictions; an Ohio county banned data centers, and anti-buildout candidates won in several states. Proposed responses include a nationwide moratorium until guardrails are added, though a later TechCrunch report says commentators expect more action in states than in a gridlocked Congress. OpenAI says it will stop using broad NDAs with local officials, pilot a Grid Protectors power program, and call some projects compute campuses. According to TechCrunch, it also hired Jessica Schumer; a Public Citizen official called the hiring and rebranding public-relations washing.