The political landscape in 2026 is marked by intense debates over critical infrastructure projects, with data centers and urban mobility initiatives taking center stage. These issues are reshaping election campaigns and forcing candidates to take firm stances on topics that resonate deeply with voters.
In California, the focus is on urban mobility and safety projects, while nationwide, data centers have become a contentious issue in multiple high-profile races. These debates highlight the growing influence of infrastructure projects on political discourse and voter sentiment.
California’s Urban Mobility Projects Under Scrutiny
In California, the Forest Lawn Drive Safety and Mobility Project has become a focal point in the race for the state Assembly. Incumbent Democrat Rick Chavez Zbur has faced criticism for supporting SB 194 a bill that would effectively halt the project. His opponent, fellow Democrat Colin Hernandez, has been vocal in his support for the project, emphasizing the urgent need for safety improvements.
Hernandez’s statement underscores the project’s importance: “Forest Lawn Drive has a documented and deadly safety problem, and we have a responsibility to act before another person loses their life.” He urges Governor Gavin Newsom to veto SB 194 and allow the project to proceed, highlighting the evidence-based approach to public safety decisions.
The controversy extends to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who intervened to halt the project. Her challenger, Nithya Raman, had shepherded the project through years of public meetings and revisions, adding another layer to the political dynamics surrounding urban mobility initiatives.
Data Centers Become a National Political Issue
Data centers have emerged as a significant issue in the 2026 midterm elections, with candidates across the country taking varying stances on the topic. In Ohio, former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown has targeted incumbent Republican Sen. Jon Husted’s previous support for data center tax breaks. Husted, now critical of data centers, acknowledges the backlash they have faced.
“They’ve earned that backlash,” Husted stated in late July. “They haven’t been as forthcoming about the benefits that will come in terms of local jobs and construction worker jobs and reduced property taxes.” The National Republican Senatorial Committee has warned that data center politics could negatively impact Husted’s reelection campaign.
In Michigan, left-wing star Abdul El-Sayed has repeatedly attacked Republican Rep. Mike Rogers over his support for data centers. Rogers has since pivoted, endorsing a one-year statewide moratorium on data center construction. This shift reflects the growing political sensitivity surrounding data centers and their impact on local communities.
Gubernatorial Races and Data Center Controversies
Multiple gubernatorial races have also been influenced by data center issues. In Pennsylvania, incumbent Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican Stacy Garrity have engaged in a tit-for-tat exchange over their past support for data centers. Shapiro has imposed new restrictions, while Garrity has had to defend her previous statements.
“I made a mistake last year,” Garrity admitted. “That mistake was believing the words coming out of Josh Shapiro’s mouth. I can assure you that will never happen again.” This highlights the political tightrope candidates must walk when addressing data center controversies.
In Texas, incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott faces backlash for his support of data centers in 2025. His challenger, Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, has heavily leaned into the issue, running anti-data center ads in rural Texas counties. Abbott’s efforts to backtrack on the issue have been met with skepticism from rural, conservative Texans.
Pro-AI Group Prepares to Fight Back
As the backlash against data centers grows, the lead strategists behind the pro-AI group Leading the Future believe the political and policy fights around AI and data centers are “in the early innings.” Josh Vlasto and Zac Moffatt, the bipartisan strategist team atop the super PAC, are eager to shape the next phases of these debates.
The nationwide data center buildout is threatening to shape the 2026 midterm elections, but pro-AI groups are preparing to counter the backlash. This sets the stage for intense political battles over critical infrastructure projects in the coming months.
