Key facts
- Senator Sherrod Brown is facing criticism from labor unions over his anti-data center campaign messaging.
- Unions, especially in construction trades, see data centers as crucial job creators for their members.
- Brown's opponent, Sen. Jon Husted, has also taken a stance on data centers, advocating for them to cover their own power costs.
- Brown previously supported data center development in Ohio, including securing federal funding for related infrastructure.
- Data centers have created tens of thousands of jobs and significant work for tradespeople in Ohio.
- Union leaders acknowledge frustration with Brown's rhetoric but largely remain supportive due to his broader pro-labor record.
Senator Sherrod Brown's campaign in Ohio is facing internal conflict as his tough stance against data centers alienates key labor union allies, who view these facilities as vital job creators. Brown has been airing advertisements criticizing data centers, labeling his opponent, Republican Sen. Jon Husted, as the state's "point man" on these "unpopular" AI hubs. However, many in the construction trades, including electricians, pipefitters, and plumbers, see data centers as a significant source of employment and economic growth.
Union leaders like Dorsey Hager of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council expressed their dissatisfaction, noting that Brown's campaign has not consulted labor groups on his anti-data center messaging. Brett McElfresh, business manager at Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 94, described the situation as a "conundrum" for building trades locals whose members rely on construction projects for income.
While both Brown and Husted are now critical of data centers, they share similar policy positions, advocating for tech companies to bear the costs of the facilities' high energy consumption and for local communities to have a say in their construction. Brown argues that Husted championed data center projects, leading to higher electric bills for Ohioans and substantial tax deals for corporations. Husted, in turn, accuses Brown of hypocrisy, pointing to his past support for data center development.
The data center boom in Ohio, which began around 2010 and accelerated with the rise of artificial intelligence, has provided tens of thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in work for tradespeople. Hager noted his union's working hours have quintupled since 2014. Despite the economic benefits, voter backlash over energy costs and infrastructure strain has prompted Brown's pivot. Union leaders, however, largely remain supportive of Brown, citing his long history of pro-labor advocacy on other issues.