Hostility toward AI data centers is reshaping midterm politics, pushing candidates in both parties to retreat from projects their leaders previously courted. What began as localized opposition has developed into a cross-partisan movement that could slow America’s race for AI supremacy. In Ohio, former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown has spent millions on summer advertising portraying Republican Sen. Jon Husted as the face of data centers, while the National Republican Senatorial Committee privately warned that a Husted loss could weaken support for the industry nationwide. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who once called Texas the epicenter of AI development, is now seeking restrictions on rural data centers and the removal of tax incentives after Democrat Gina Hinojosa described the state as the wild west of data centers. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro imposed sweeping guardrails after Republican challenger Stacy Garrity accused him of rolling out the red carpet for developers. Similar attacks are appearing in Wisconsin, Wyoming and Michigan. The backlash has prompted industry and political groups to debate how to respond, while President Trump's ratepayer-protection pledge requires companies to cover the power-generation and grid-upgrade costs associated with their projects. Google, Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, xAI, OpenAI and Amazon have signed on. Industry officials say the battle will be decided locally through workforce programs, community funds and commitments to cover consumed power, water and infrastructure. Trump acknowledged the political challenge Wednesday, saying data centers could use a little public relations help, but maintained that governors and mayors should want such plants in their communities.