Midterms

Voters elected candidates favoring data center moratoriums and restrictive ballot measures in the 2026 midterms, dealing a blow to AI infrastructure expansion. NBC News polling found 76% of voters cited AI and data centers as an important factor, though exit polls ranked AI last among campaign issues behind corruption (90%) and cost of living (89%).

Policy • The Verge AI

AI industry PACs spent millions influencing the 2026 midterms with mixed results, and political groups are already looking toward the next election cycle. Separately, OpenAI's Chris Lehane is proposing a new social contract aimed at defining the 2028 election.

Policy • TechCrunch AI

OpenAI said it is launching an election 'war room' ahead of the US midterms to identify potential spread of misinformation or other efforts to disrupt elections. The company disclosed the plan exclusively to Decoded by POLITICO.

Policy • Techmeme