Meta Warns Election Backlash Will Hinder Data Center Construction

Nov 5, 2026
Meta President Dina Powell McCormick says election results and public opposition could make it harder to secure approval for new data centers.

Meta President Dina Powell McCormick said Democratic gains in the US midterm elections could make data center construction harder, according to TechCrunch. She said opposition to data centers was a prominent election issue and was connected to broader public concerns about AI.

Meta operates data centers in 23 states. Five planned projects, including one in Texas, will each have capacity of at least one gigawatt.

Powell McCormick said projects are more likely to secure local support when Meta pays for its electricity, hires local workers and directs additional tax revenue to teachers and first responders. She expects future proposals to face greater review based on whether residents support them.

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