Campaigns and outside groups have spent over $45 million on ads since January mentioning data centers in gubernatorial, House and Senate races this year, marking a rare point of agreement between the parties.
An NPR analysis of political advertising data from AdImpact found that Republicans and Democrats are making nearly identical arguments: the sprawling facilities receive too many tax breaks, drive up electricity bills and require more regulation.
Spending was nearly split, with over $22 million supporting Republican candidates and more than $21 million for Democratic candidates from January through August. Independent groups accounted for the remaining spending.
Democrats aired almost twice as many ads as Republicans—127 compared to 67—spreading their messaging across more states and competitive races like Wisconsin and Michigan.
Mentions of data centers in political ads have accelerated as the election neared. From a handful in January, mentions grew to 62 in June, more than 110 in July and approximately 164 in August.
A June Reuters/Ipsos poll showed 77 percent of Americans worry data centers will raise electricity costs. Two-thirds of Democrats and half of Republicans said they would oppose a data center in their community.
Michael Franz, co-director of the Wesleyan Media Project, said the issue appeals across party lines. "MAGA Republicans and liberal Democrats ultimately arrive at the same conclusion regarding data centers," Franz said. Democrats use the issue to discuss affordability and environmental concerns, while Republicans use it to criticize large corporations that voters feel ignore their needs.
A Believe in Wisconsin PAC ad supporting Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Crowley spent $634,795 in August, with Crowley promising to "lower costs, make housing affordable, stop AI data centers from making your energy bills skyrocket."
In Florida, Republican gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds has positioned himself as a check on data centers. An ad from the Friends of Byron Donalds PAC, which paid over $2.5 million, shows Donalds vowing to "protect Florida families and communities from data centers that jack up utility rates and make everything else more expensive" and "fight for a ratepayer protection plan."
The campaign push reflects growing public discontent over data center expansion and its effect on electricity costs and local infrastructure.
