Maine’s Senate race is about to become the most expensive Senate contest per capita in US history — and the fight over AI data centers may decide who controls the Senate.
During the final debate of the midterms, Sen. Susan Collins was defending her record when an audience member cut her short: “I’m terrified. AI data centers are destroying our climate. They are poisoning our water.” Collins brushed off the outburst, but the fear echoing through the auditorium was real — and it’s reshaping the race.
Why Maine Became Ground Zero for the AI Data Center Fight
Maine drew national headlines in April when the state Legislature passed what would have been the nation’s first statewide moratorium on large data centers — vetoed 10 days later by Gov. Janet Mills. Towns across the state have since adopted temporary moratoriums, and a September UMass Lowell/YouGov poll found 76% of Mainers oppose building a data center in their community, with 58% strongly opposed.
Maine is a prime target for new data centers: cheap land, vacant industrial mills, and ample water. Tech companies and private equity firms tied to AI have poured millions into the midterms to win over skeptical locals.
$81M vs $114M: Who Controls the Senate
Democrats are projected to spend $81 million and Republicans $114 million in the race — much of it from the very industry rural voters are fighting. The outcome will help determine which party controls the Senate and shape federal data center and AI policy for the entire country.
Maine data center debate (Credits: The Verge)
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Source: The Verge — read the full story there.