Maine’s data center revolt will decide who controls the Senate

Rural Maine voters are pushing back against the rapid expansion of AI data centers, citing concerns over resource strain, rising utility costs, and phantom jobs. The issue has become a key campaign issue in the state's hotly contested Senate race, with Democrats and Republicans pouring in millions of dollars in funding, including from tech billionaires. The outcome of the race will determine which party controls the Senate and shape federal data center policy. Maine towns are also adopting temporary moratoriums or putting the issue to voters this November, with 76% of Mainers opposing building a data center in their community, and 58% strongly opposed.