As the US midterms approach, AI is going to emerge as a key issue concerning voters | Nathan E Sanders and Bruce Schneier

2026-03-24 · Source: AI (artificial intelligence) | The Guardian · Field: Government & Public Sector — Public Policy & Governance, Regulatory & Compliance · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, medium

Summary

In December, the Trump administration issued an executive order that significantly curtailed states' ability to regulate AI, explicitly supporting industry lobbyists and undermining efforts by consumer advocates. This action has clarified ideological alignments around AI, setting a new political battleground for the midterm elections, despite national surveys in May and December 2025 showing over 70% favorability for both state and federal AI regulation. The debate, often framed as "humans versus machines," is better understood as "populism versus institutionalism," with Trump's order serving economic elites at the expense of populist consumer protections. Local resistance to corporate AI infrastructure, particularly data centers, is emerging across states like Maryland, Arizona, and Michigan, driven by environmental and energy cost concerns. This local opposition, which is politically diverse, could translate into a national movement, with figures like Ron DeSantis, Bernie Sanders, and Amy Klobuchar taking differing stances on AI regulation and data center construction.

Key takeaway

For political strategists and policymakers, the Trump administration's AI executive order has created a significant, non-polarized wedge issue. You should recognize the broad public support for AI regulation and the growing local resistance to data center development as opportunities to engage voters across the political spectrum. Focus on the systemic economic, democratic, and environmental risks of unchecked AI development to build a broader coalition beyond localized infrastructure concerns, demanding accountability from companies profiting from AI.

Key insights

Trump's executive order on AI regulation has created a new political wedge issue for the US midterms.

Principles

• Voter preference for AI regulation is high.
• Local opposition to AI infrastructure is growing.

In practice

• Candidates can capitalize on AI-linked harms.
• Mobilize against industry capture in AI policy.

Topics

• AI Regulation
• US Midterm Elections
• AI Datacenters
• Tech Lobbying
• Voter Sentiment

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by AI (artificial intelligence) | The Guardian.