Americans are growing increasingly wary of the sprawling influence of Big Tech and data centers, with the Republican Party bearing the brunt of voter frustration, according to a recent POLITICO poll. As the November 3 midterm elections approach, 47% of respondents identified the GOP as the party more likely to offer tax incentives to technology companies, a figure that starkly contrasts with the 21% who associated such policies with Democrats.

This sentiment comes at a time when public concern about the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and data center expansion is intensifying. The poll, conducted by PF Global, indicates a significant shift in voter priorities, with many advocating for the removal of tax breaks that support the AI sector. Approximately 20% of those surveyed prioritized ending these incentives as a key tax issue in the upcoming elections.

The focus on tech-related taxation aligns with broader tax concerns: voters are also pushing for higher taxes on billionaires and tighter restrictions on large corporations. This growing skepticism about tech benefits has prompted action from legislators across the political spectrum. Notably, Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio recently proposed a radical measure that would impose a 100% tax on any state or local incentives offered to AI data centers.

Democrats, however, have been more vocal and aggressive on this issue. Former Senator Sherrod Brown, for example, has spotlighted data center incentives in his campaign against Republican Jon Husted in Ohio, criticizing Husted’s policies for favoring wealthy tech giants at the expense of state residents.

The targeting of tech incentives by Democrats extends to major companies like Meta, which has significantly reduced its tax liability through AI development. Democratic lawmakers are also pushing for legislation to prevent data centers from benefiting from specific tax incentives such as Opportunity Zones and bonus depreciation, both of which were expanded by Republicans in a 2025 tax cut bill.

Amid these political maneuvers, a broader public debate is emerging over the role and regulation of AI. A majority of poll respondents expressed concerns over the secrecy of tech CEOs regarding the risks associated with AI. Additionally, many believe that the potential dangers of AI outweigh its benefits and are calling for stringent government regulation of the technology.

As election day draws near, the outcome of the midterms could signal significant shifts in both policy and public sentiment towards Big Tech and AI, potentially reshaping the landscape of tech governance in the United States.