GOP warns data center backlash in Ohio

The United States — Republican National Committee issued a confidential memo to AI companies warning that public backlash against data centers in United States — Ohio threatens Republican Senator Jon Husted's re-election campaign. The memo, dated August 18, 2026, and first reported by Axios, argues that data centers have become a political liability, with Husted's opponent Sherrod Brown running attack ads branding Husted as the 'face of data centers.' Internal polling cited in the memo shows a tight race, with a Fox News poll showing Brown leading Husted 53% to 45%. The NRSC warns that if Husted loses and data centers are blamed, politicians nationwide will avoid supporting such projects. United States — Ohio hosts over 200 data centers, and concerns about rising utility bills and resource strain have fueled opposition. In response, American Electric Power announced that Meta, Amazon (company), and other companies will contribute over $18 million to help United States — Ohioans with electric bills. The memo urges tech companies to improve the public perception of data centers. The issue has also prompted Democratic governors like Josh Shapiro and Kathy Hochul to impose stricter regulations, and Republican officials in Texas and Wisconsin have taken actions against data centers. President Donald Trump has encouraged local leaders to embrace data centers, acknowledging they need public relations help.