The Aporia
Chow, V. (2026, November 4). How Democratic sweep could slow AI growth in US – and help China’s ambitions. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3373295/how-democratic-sweep-could-slow-ai-growth-us-and-help-chinas-ambitions
Chow, Vincent. “How Democratic sweep could slow AI growth in US – and help China’s ambitions.” South China Morning Post, 4 Nov. 2026, https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3373295/how-democratic-sweep-could-slow-ai-growth-us-and-help-chinas-ambitions.
Chow, Vincent. “How Democratic sweep could slow AI growth in US – and help China’s ambitions.” South China Morning Post, November 4, 2026. https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3373295/how-democratic-sweep-could-slow-ai-growth-us-and-help-chinas-ambitions.
Dated from the outlet's own feed. Check the original for its byline.
In the 2026 midterm elections, Democrats won crucial races across multiple states including Ohio, Kansas, and Iowa, despite AI-focused super PACs spending millions to support candidates like Darline Graham. These victories were fueled by voter concerns over AI and data centers; an NBC exit poll showed that 56% of voters cited these issues as a “crucial or major factor” in their voting decisions. Additionally, bans on data center development passed in several counties, while mayors who previously supported such projects faced recalls. This outcome is seen as potentially slowing AI growth in the US and possibly aiding China’s ambitions by tightening scrutiny on AI and data centers under a more Democratic-controlled Congress.
Democrats’ congressional victory fuels expectations of tighter scrutiny of AI and the data centres that power it
The assessment comes as concerns about AI and the data centres that power it proved to be a contributing factor in the backlash against the Republican Party and US President Donald Trump, a vocal supporter of the tech industry.