Counties with large AI data centers or proposed projects shifted further toward Democrats than similar counties without them in last week’s midterm elections, according to an analysis by conservative advocacy group Humans First, obtained by Fox News.
The report examined election results alongside data center records from 1,540 counties across 16 states, identifying what it calls a “data center penalty” for Republicans. On average, counties with major data facilities swung 2.2 percentage points more Democratic than comparable areas without them.
The Red County Shift
The pattern held in 14 of the 16 states reviewed and in 25 of 27 governor and Senate races. In deep-red counties—those President Donald Trump carried by at least 20 points in 2024—GOP vote totals fell an additional 1.1% compared to similar counties without data centers, while Democratic totals remained steady.
Even in counties where projects were merely proposed, analysts found a 1.1-point gap after controlling for variables like past voting trends and demographics. The report identified 114 pending large-scale AI data center projects across 92 heavily Republican counties.
Why the Change?
Humans First Chairwoman Amy Kremer told Fox News the shift reflects how personal concerns drive political engagement. “A data center involves your pocketbook, your health care, your kids, your home and your community,” she said.
Recent polling shows most Americans oppose local AI data center construction. The midterms saw 40 of 41 proposed data center moratoriums or restrictions pass nationwide. In the first half of 2026 alone, opposition groups blocked or delayed projects worth nearly $130 billion.
“Developers often cut deals behind closed doors using NDAs and shell companies,” Kremer said. “By the time communities find out, it’s too late. These projects impact quality of life while giving tax breaks to trillion-dollar companies.”
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2026/11/11/report-red-counties-with-current-or-proposed-data-centers-shifted-away-from-republicans-in-midterms/