Red counties with data center projects swung away from GOP in midterms, analysis finds

A new analysis from the conservative group Humans First suggests that counties hosting large data centers or proposed projects shifted more toward Democrats in recent midterm elections. The study found a correlation between the presence of data centers and a move away from Republican voting, particularly in deep-red counties. The group’s chairwoman, Amy Kremer, believes this is due to data centers personally affecting voters’ pocketbooks, health care, and communities, leading to increased political engagement on these issues.

• Analysis by Humans First found that counties with large data centers or proposed projects shifted 2.2 percentage points more toward Democrats in midterms compared to non-host counties.
• The pattern was observed in 14 out of 16 states examined, with Republican vote totals falling in deep-red host counties while Democratic totals remained stable.
• The group attributes this shift to data centers personally affecting voters’ quality of life, finances, and community, leading to political engagement.
• Voters favored restrictions on data center development in 46 out of 47 local ballot measures in 2026.
• Humans First advocates for local control over data center projects, emphasizing property rights and community decision-making.
• Data centers are projected to significantly increase their electricity consumption, raising concerns about grid infrastructure costs and potential rate hikes for consumers.