Top Democrats call to rein in AI buildout after midterms sweep: ‘National data center moratorium now’

Following Democratic gains in the US midterm elections, several party figures called for limits on data centre construction and AI development. Their statements reflect growing political opposition to the expansion, which could affect technology investment and projects across the country.

Senator Bernie Sanders called for a national moratorium, while Representative Yassamin Ansari urged Congress to pause AI development. A CNBC Voter Poll found 56% of voters considered AI and data centres a major or crucial election factor; among them, 65% voted for a Democratic congressional candidate. Shares in several chip companies fell after the election, and Texas, which accounts for 27% of planned US data centre capacity, is a key battleground: governor-elect Gina Hinojosa has pledged to halt approvals until new protections are passed.