El-Sayed, Rogers face voter opposition to data centers in crucial Senate race

September 27, 2026

Michigan's U.S. Senate race between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has become significantly focused on the controversial issue of data center development in the state. Both candidates now support moratoriums on new data centers after facing intense community opposition, though Rogers initially backed streamlining development before reversing his position in August. The race has drawn scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest, with Rogers holding substantial investments in tech and AI companies, including a Blackstone real estate trust connected to a major data center project in Saline Township.

Who is affected

Republican candidate Mike Rogers and Democrat candidate Abdul El-Sayed
Michigan voters, particularly those in communities with data center developments (Saline, Augusta, Ypsilanti, and Pittsfield townships)
Utility ratepayers in Michigan who may face cost impacts from data centers
Specific voters mentioned: Augusta Township resident John Gonzalez and Pittsfield Township resident Bob Zammit
Blackstone (asset manager with investments in data centers)
Oracle and OpenAI (constructing $16-billion data center in Saline Township)
Related Digital (data center developer)
Members of Congress who trade stocks
President Donald Trump (as a major AI booster)

What action is being taken

Construction of the Oracle and OpenAI data center facility in Saline Township is ongoing
Rogers and El-Sayed are campaigning for the U.S. Senate seat
Heavy truck traffic on Michigan Avenue has increased with the construction

Why it matters

This Senate race could help determine control of the U.S. Senate, making it nationally significant. The data center issue represents a critical tension between federal AI development priorities and local community concerns about environmental impacts, utility costs, and local control. With 62% of Michigan voters opposing data centers despite Trump's 34% favorability rating, candidates' positions on this issue could significantly influence election outcomes. The controversy also highlights broader concerns about conflicts of interest in congressional stock trading, as Rogers holds substantial investments in companies that would benefit from pro-data center policies while campaigning on restricting them.

What's next

The Restore Trust in Congress Act, introduced in the House in September 2025 and Senate in January, would bar members of Congress from owning or trading individual stocks (currently pending)
Rogers stated he is calling for a one-year moratorium on new data centers until establishing a fair, transparent approval process
El-Sayed's "terms of engagement" for data centers outline protections for ratepayers, community engagement requirements, and clean energy compliance requirements

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com