Meta data center expansion could face greater political opposition following the November 3, 2026, U.S. midterm elections. Meta President Dina Powell McCormick warned that growing resistance to large computing facilities could complicate the company’s artificial intelligence infrastructure plans.
Speaking at the Wall Street Journal’s technology conference on November 4, Powell McCormick said the industry has struggled to explain the benefits of its investments. Her remarks followed election victories by candidates advocating tighter restrictions on data center construction.
Meta Data Center Expansion Faces Political Challenges
Powell McCormick discussed the election results during a WSJ Tech conference interview. She said communities increasingly associate large data centers with concerns about artificial intelligence, electricity costs and local development.
Meta currently operates data centers across 23 U.S. states. The company is developing five projects with planned electricity capacity of at least one gigawatt each, including a major facility in Texas.
Powell McCormick said expanding existing facilities could be easier than developing new sites. Communities familiar with established operations may already recognize their economic benefits.
She also acknowledged that technology companies are considering international locations to reduce risks associated with U.S. construction delays.
Midterm Voters Support Data Center Restrictions
Opposition to data centers became a significant issue in several state and local elections. A CNBC analysis of local ballot measures identified 41 contests across 10 states.
Voters supported restrictions or rejected development-friendly proposals in nearly every contest reviewed. Harwood, North Dakota, was the notable exception, rejecting additional review requirements for industrial projects.
The issue also featured in gubernatorial campaigns in Ohio and Texas. Both states are important locations for large-scale AI infrastructure investment.
TechAmerica previously examined the broader election results in its report on AI data center restrictions after the midterms. The debate includes electricity affordability, environmental safeguards and community approval.
Meta Emphasizes Electricity Costs and Local Jobs
Meta is promoting community agreements intended to address concerns surrounding new facilities. Powell McCormick highlighted the company’s approach in Richland Parish, Louisiana, as an example.
She said Meta pays for its electricity requirements and works with local utilities to protect household customers. The company also supports programs benefiting teachers, first responders and local workers.
Other priorities include hiring regional construction workers and securing support from community leaders across political parties.
Powell McCormick acknowledged that public acceptance has become essential to securing new locations. She said some newly elected officials remain interested in negotiations despite campaigning for tighter oversight.
AI Infrastructure Remains Central to Meta’s Strategy
Meta is investing heavily in computing capacity to support its artificial intelligence products, including the Muse personal assistant. The company expects AI services to require substantial processing power as adoption increases.
Powell McCormick said Meta also receives inquiries from businesses interested in leasing computing capacity. That demand could give its infrastructure investments another commercial use.
However, the company has not announced cancellations of its major U.S. projects following the elections. Future construction will depend on permitting decisions, electricity availability and negotiations with local communities.
