Data centers got a slap in the face at the ballot box. These key votes show how. Nov 4, 2026, 6:20 AM PT Americans don't want data centers in their backyards. That's one of the clearest messages sent at the ballot box during Tuesday's midterm elections. NBC News' exit poll found that 76% of voters would oppose the construction of a new data center in their community, and 56% said AI and data centers were a crucial or major factor in their vote for Congress. As well as governors and senators who voiced opposition to data centers winning, ballots included referendums on their construction. Goldman Sachs economists said Democratic wins at the state and local levels will likely lead to "short-term data center moratoria, potentially affecting about 45% of planned US data center capacity expansion." More than 30 direct votes against data centers passed. Dozens of cities and small towns held referendums in which data centers were directly on the ballot. As of 8 a.m. ET, voters had approved 33 ballot measures restricting data centers, versus one allowing them, according to an analysis by Redbud Consulting. Most of these votes were in Ohio, home to a key data center for OpenAI's $500 billion Stargate project. One measure stands out as being linked to a specific project. EdgeConneX wanted permits from the town of Ashville to build two data centers on a 195-acre property. However, 82% of its 1,800 voters rejected a resolution to proceed with the development of data centers and an associated natural gas facility. Americans look set to vote overwhelmingly against data centers in many of the referendums. For example, in Alhambra, a city in Los Angeles County, a measure to ban data centers is also on track to be approved by 82% of voters. A blue swing in data center hot spot Texas. Texas was one of the clearest examples of the "blue tsunami," in which Democrats exceeded expectations. It's also a major location for data centers, including Stargate's flagship site plus two others under development. The gubernatorial race was a particular upset, where Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic candidate, beat the incumbent Greg Abbott. She will be the state's first Democratic governor since 1995. Her campaign included a promise to immediately pause data-center development in the state. With 96% of the votes counted, Hinojosa had a 7-point lead, per the Associated Press - an 18-point swing from the last gubernatorial election in 2022. James Talarico, the Democratic senator-elect, has argued that data centers are contributing to the cost of living, including by increasing utility bills. He also wants to create an "AI dividend" for people to share in AI companies' profits. 'Data Center Alley' swings further to the Democrats. Virginia has the most data centers of any state. The majority of those are concentrated in the north, giving the region the nickname "Data Center Alley." Loudoun County has some 250 operational data centers, and over 100 more planned. While many analysts expected the state to stay blue, Democratic Sen. Mark Warner extended his majority. Statewide, there was a 17-point swing compared to the 2024 presidential election. With 97% of votes counted in Loudoun County, Warner received 69% of the vote. That's a 21-point swing compared to 2024, and an 11-point swing from the state's last Senate election in 2020.

EdgeConneX enters Australia with Stockland partnership. SYDNEY, Oct 16 - EdgeConneX(R), a pioneer in global Build-to-Suit and Build-to-Density digital infrastructure solutions, today announced its entry into the Australian market through a 50-50 joint venture partnership with Stockland (ASX: SGP). The companies plan to develop, own, and operate a portfolio of hyperscale data center campuses across Australia, starting with Sydney and Melbourne. News article writing The EdgeConneX Stockland Data Center partnership combines Stockland's land, development, and project management expertise with EdgeConneX global experience delivering data center solutions for large content, cloud, and AI providers. Following the establishment of the JV partnership, EdgeConneX and Stockland are advancing an initial portfolio of hyperscale data center campuses in Sydney and Melbourne, with 450MW of power secured, and progressing additional power applications and planning. Discover more Read Market News Read Daily News "Our partnership with EdgeConneX brings together Stockland's local development capabilities and EdgeConneX's international hyperscale and AI Factory experience. Together, we are creating a strong platform to support the responsible growth of Australia's digital economy," said Justin Louis, Chief Investment Officer, Stockland. To lead its Australian business and market development strategy, EdgeConneX has appointed Chris Maher as Managing Director for Australia. EdgeConneX has also joined Data Centres Australia (DCA), the nation's leading industry body for data centers and AI infrastructure, as a principal member, working alongside DCA's growing base of 100+ diverse members to advance the digital infrastructure opportunity in Australia. Business consulting services Maher brings more than 20 years of experience across digital infrastructure, asset management, and finance in Asia Pacific and the United States. Over the past two decades, he has played a leading role in establishing and growing major digital infrastructure businesses, with extensive experience in data center development and operations, and large-scale infrastructure investment. With deep sector experience, a strong understanding of the Australian market, and a track record of leading complex infrastructure businesses, Maher is well positioned to lead EdgeConneX's Australian business and support the company's continued growth in the region. "Australia has a significant opportunity to become a leading market for digital infrastructure and AI," said Chris Maher, Managing Director, Australia, EdgeConneX. "Digital infrastructure and the technology it enables are transforming the way we live and work, from healthcare to agriculture and mining. I'm excited to join EdgeConneX at such a pivotal moment and to build, with our partners and customers, the sustainable digital foundations Australia needs." Belinda Dennett, Chief Executive Officer, Data Centres Australia: "We are delighted to welcome EdgeConneX as a member and contributor to the growing Australian market for hyperscale data centers. Australia has a significant opportunity to lead the region in sustainable data center development, capturing economic and strategic advantage through the current wave of global AI infrastructure investment. I would like to congratulate Chris Maher on his appointment and look forward to working with EdgeConneX and Stockland as they establish their presence." Discover more Businesses Optimize Ops The appointment comes amid strong momentum in the Australian market. According to DCA's latest Economic Impact report, with its abundant renewable energy, Australia is uniquely positioned to power the region's AI demand sustainably, turning clean energy into a digital export. The report estimates that capturing the AI export market could add up to $4.1 billion in additional annual economic activity by 2030 and support up to 17,120 more jobs, a net addition on top of the projected economic activity and job creation from meeting domestic demand. Economic growth analysis "Australia is one of the fastest-growing infrastructure hubs in the region," said Kelvin Fong, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, EdgeConneX. "It offers strong fundamentals such as renewable energy for long-term sustainable infrastructure investment, and with Chris leading our local team, we look forward to supporting our customers as they grow in this market." EdgeConneX is a leader in sustainable data center development and operations. For three consecutive years, the company has been recognized as an industry leader in Structure Research's annual State of the Environmental report for its strong balance of transparent ESG reporting, innovative use of closed-loop water-free cooling systems, energy efficiency, and renewable energy adoption.