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BY Rebecca Heilweil

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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.…