Exit polls show data centers weren't winners in 2026 elections

AI data centers were a major factor for over half of voters in the 2026 midterm elections . While they were not the most crucial issue, voters made their opinions on data centers clear.

Big majorities nationally and in all the Senate battlegrounds opposed having one built in their community, according to CBS News exit polls .

This opposition benefited Democratic candidates — most who opposed data centers backed Democrats. But most self-identified Republicans also expressed their resistance to having a new data center in their area too — even as they predominantly voted for Republican candidates.