Voters backed 40 anti-data-center measures, but AI safety wins bigger

Voters passed 40 ballot measures to slow or stop data centers in the 2026 midterm elections, with 56 percent of exit poll respondents calling AI and data centers a crucial or major factor in their congressional vote. The measures reflect widespread public opposition to the physical infrastructure powering AI. The more significant outcome was the election of a new crop of Democrats who prioritize AI safety regulation, including Abdul El-Sayed, Jon Ossoff, Scott Wiener, and Manny Rutinel. These leaders have proposed measures ranging from pauses on frontier AI research to federal safety agencies and bans on recursive self-improvement. With Democrats taking control of Congress, experts expect stronger AI legislation in 2027, including mandatory safety standards and independent testing proposed by Sen. Maria Cantwell. President Trump retains veto power, but analysts suggest he may sign safety regulations as public pressure grows.