Data centres become a campaign issue in the US midterm elections

Virginians opposed to a nearby data centre

66 % of respondents

A June University of Virginia poll found most respondents oppose a data centre near their home.

Northern Virginia holds nearly 300 data centres, with almost as many planned or under construction. The Sierra Club says the average Virginia household's power bill could double by 2039.

In Warrenton, Virginia, residents blocked an Amazon data centre. Every councillor who backed it lost at the next election.

Why it matters

A memo inside the Republican Senate campaign committee warned that attacks over data centres could threaten seats once thought safe. Opposition runs across party lines, including in Texas and Ohio.