AI data center backlash threatens Republican support in Texas and Ohio

Who's involved

• Sherri FahringerPickaway County, Ohio resident running for county commissioner
• Sherrod BrownFormer U.S. Senator (D), Ohio Senate candidate
• Jon HustedU.S. Senator (R-Ohio)
• Brendan SteinhauserGOP strategist and president of Alliance for Secure AI
• League of Conservation VotersClimate advocacy group
• National Republican Senatorial CommitteeRepublican campaign organization

The facts

• 67 percent of planned data center projects are slated for rural areas, per April Pew Research Center study.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Pickaway County, Ohio voted for Trump by around 50 points over Harris in 2024.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Trump won Ohio by more than 10 points in 2024.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Husted has trailed Brown in recent polling.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• A Bowling Green State University poll found data center opinions are an area where many Ohioans share common ground.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Sherri Fahringer Data center issue weighs heavily in Senate races, pushing voters toward Sherrod Brown.^{1 2}
• Brendan Steinhauser Opposition to data centers is a bipartisan coalition, which is unique among issues.^{1 2}
• National Republican Senatorial Committee Brown made opposition to data centers centerpiece of campaign because it works.^{1 2}
• National Republican Senatorial Committee Data centers are the anchor hanging around Husted's neck in this race.^{1 2}