NEW POLL: Data Centers and Officials Who Profit Off Them Are Unpopular

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan

October 28, 2026

Contact: Levi Teitel, levi@progressmichigan.org

NEW POLL: Data Centers and Officials Who Profit Off Them Are Unpopular

MICHIGAN — Recent polling conducted by Progress Michigan in partnership with Public Policy Polling shows that Michiganders would be less likely to vote for a candidate whose investments could allow them to financially benefit from data center construction. At the same time, respondents’ top concerns related to data center construction are the possibility of increased energy costs and excess water use or other water-related problems. A majority would also support a moratorium on new data centers in their communities.

“Big Tech is having too much influence in Michigan politics, and people know it,” said Justin Mendoza, executive director of Progress Michigan. “This is top of mind among voters with two proposals on the ballot this year that directly impact outsized corporate influence in government. We’ve seen data center projects move forward over the objections of local communities whose concerns about water use, energy costs and transparency have not been meaningfully addressed.

“Michiganders should have the assurance that their elected officials’ tech investments don’t present conflicts of interest while they look to these same leaders for better protections from AI data center development,” Mendoza continued. “Michiganders expect their elected officials to act on these concerns with integrity and in good faith.”

If a candidate held substantial investments in tech companies that could allow the candidate to financially benefit from data center construction, would that make you much more likely, somewhat more likely, somewhat less likely, or much less likely to vote for that candidate, or would it not make a difference?

Stacked bar chart of a poll of 630 Michigan voters surveyed October 16–17, 2026 (margin of error ±3.9%) asking how they would view a candidate with substantial investments in tech companies that could benefit financially from data center construction. Overall, 2% would be much more likely to vote for that candidate, 5% somewhat more likely, 13% somewhat less likely, 50% much less likely, 25% said it wouldn’t make a difference, and 6% were not sure. Total “less likely” by group: women 65%, men 60%, Democrats 84%, Republicans 32%, independents 65%, white voters 62%, African American voters 69%. A majority of Republicans (51%) said it wouldn’t make a difference.

From the following list of choices, what is your main concern about the effects of hyperscale data center construction in Michigan: increased energy costs, excess water use or other water-related problems, loss of farmland or other location concerns, something else, or do you have no concerns?

Stacked bar chart of a poll of 630 Michigan voters surveyed October 16–17, 2026 (margin of error ±3.9%) asking for their main concern about hyperscale data center construction in Michigan. Overall, 31% chose increased energy costs, 27% excess water use or water problems, 18% loss of farmland or other location concerns, 9% something else, 10% no concerns, and 6% not sure. Energy costs were the top concern for men (39%), Democrats (40%), and white voters (31%). Water was the top concern for women (31%) and independents (32%). African American voters were split evenly between energy costs and water, at 35% each. Republicans most often chose loss of farmland (26%), followed by energy costs (25%). They were also the group most likely to report no concerns (15%).

Some communities in Michigan are considering data center moratoriums while they prepare policies to protect people and the environment from data center impacts. Would you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose a data center moratorium in your community?

Stacked bar chart of a poll of 630 Michigan voters (margin of error ±3.9%) asking whether they would support or oppose a data center moratorium in their community while policies are prepared to protect people and the environment. Overall, 55% strongly support, 17% somewhat support, 9% somewhat oppose, 9% strongly oppose, and 10% are not sure. Total support by group: women 72%, men 73%, Democrats 79%, Republicans 56%, independents 78%, white voters 71%, African American voters 80%. Total opposition by group: women 16%, men 19%, Democrats 12%, Republicans 24%, independents 18%, white voters 19%, African American voters 11%. Republicans had the most “not sure” responses, at 19%.

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