Anti-AI populism is the future of American politics | Garrison Lovely

Democrats’ midterm victories, alongside local votes against new datacentres, suggest growing public resistance to the AI industry, argues the article. It says opposition to AI could become a defining issue in the 2028 US election, as voters look to politicians to address concerns about jobs, safety and corporate power.

The article says datacentre restrictions passed in more than 30 localities across nine states, and an estimated 41% of planned capacity is in states whose governors-elect support moratoriums. AI was cited as crucial to the vote by 23% of voters; those voters favoured Democrats over Republicans by 67% to 30%. The author argues Democrats will need to deliver stronger accountability measures, while some Republicans are already distancing themselves from Silicon Valley.