In Hogansville, Georgia, residents are increasingly apprehensive about the proposed construction of a data center near their community, which they believe could lead to higher energy expenses. Local cattle rancher Reece Payton has voiced his frustration over rising electric bills, which include an additional $50 charge to support a nuclear power plant located over 200 miles away. This situation has prompted Payton and his family to vote for Democratic candidates for the first time, reflecting a significant shift in political alignment among voters in traditionally Republican areas.

In the recent elections, voters in some of Georgia's rural counties supported Democrats Peter Hubbard and Alicia Johnson, resulting in their election to the Georgia Public Service Commission. This commission, which regulates utilities and influences energy policy, has not had a Democratic member since 2007. The shift in voter sentiment appears to be driven by growing concerns over electricity costs and the expansion of data centers, which are often linked to increased energy consumption and corporate interests.

This trend is not confined to Georgia. In Virginia, Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger has pledged to reduce energy bills and increase taxes on data centers. Similarly, in New Jersey, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill has committed to addressing utility costs by declaring a state of emergency and freezing rates. In Memphis, State Representative Justin J. Pearson is opposing a proposed supercomputer by Elon Musk's xAI in a predominantly Black neighborhood, underscoring the intersection of technology, corporate power, and social equity in local governance.