GOP warns AI data centers are becoming a political liability in Ohio race

The NRSC privately warned major AI companies that public backlash to data centers is hurting Republicans’ chances in Ohio’s Senate race against Sherrod Brown, arguing Democrats have made data centers a centerpiece of campaigning. With polls showing Brown ahead, Democrats push tighter guardrails on data centers, and several major AI firms expanding projects in Ohio, the memo urges tech companies to help shift public perception by explaining benefits and costs to communities to prevent the issue from becoming a nationwide liability as data centers proliferate.