TITLE: Democrats Divided on Anti-AI Stance Amid Public Fears

Democratic strategists and lawmakers are increasingly divided over how to capitalize on Americans' widespread fears of artificial intelligence, with some urging the party to adopt a staunch anti-AI position to harness populist energy ahead of the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race.

Public opposition to AI has surged, driven by concerns over job displacement, skyrocketing energy costs from data centers and broader economic disruptions. Recent polls underscore the depth of this unease: A Gallup survey found 80% of U.S. adults support government regulation of AI, even if it slows innovation. A Pew Research Center study revealed that just 17% believe AI will positively affect the country over the next two decades — a lower approval rating than even congressional Democrats' 18% in a Quinnipiac poll.

This sentiment has manifested in grassroots actions, such as protests against data center construction in states like Michigan and viral social media campaigns targeting politicians. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a prominent Democrat, has faced repeated online demands to halt data center projects in her lighthearted posts about holiday shopping and state achievements.

Party insiders see an opportunity to channel this anger into a unifying populist message, contrasting everyday Americans with tech billionaires. However, pro-business Democrats caution that aggressive opposition could alienate key donors and harm economies reliant on AI investment.

Rising Anti-AI Backlash

The anti-AI movement within the Democratic base began with progressive activists but has spread to moderates and independents. In rural and battleground states, residents decry the environmental and financial toll of data centers, which consume vast amounts of electricity to power AI infrastructure. Protests have erupted in communities from Virginia to Oregon, where local opposition has delayed or derailed projects.

Lakshya Jain, co-founder of the polling firm Split Ticket, described the political landscape as a clear divide between billionaires and the public. "Democrats should be bolder," Jain said. "The public wants action on costs, and economic populism can counter tech's influence."

Strategist Morris Katz, who has advised candidates in New York, Maine and Nebraska, warned of a future where AI exacerbates inequality. "It's not just the working class hurting — it's the middle and upper middle classes too," Katz said. "We'll all struggle except for a handful of billionaires."

This rhetoric echoes longstanding tensions in the party, intensified after the 2024 election. Critics of Kamala Harris's campaign argue the Democrats lost by not embracing populism enough, while centrists blame a drift from pragmatism. Anti-AI advocacy could bridge this gap, blending economic justice with tech skepticism.

Key Figures and Proposals

Prominent Democrats have begun amplifying the issue. Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont recently called for a nationwide moratorium on new data center construction, accusing "big tech oligarchs" of plotting to replace human workers. Sanders has tied this to broader critiques of corporate power, including during rallies for progressive candidates.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., highlighted the political upside in an interview, noting AI leaders' alignment with the incoming Trump administration. "There's an imperative for Democrats to exploit that," Murphy said, pointing to opportunities on energy affordability and job protection.

Other voices include Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., who in 2023 urged the Biden administration to enact an "AI Bill of Rights" to curb discrimination and ethical risks. Pollster David Shor and local officials in swing states like Pennsylvania have also pushed for focusing on popular issues like AI's energy demands.

Yet, mainstream Democrats remain cautious. Many emphasize targeted regulations — on intellectual property, bias prevention or consumer privacy — rather than outright opposition. This approach aligns with the party's historical support for innovation, but critics say it misses the populist moment.

A Democratic operative, speaking anonymously, compared the party's slow response to former President Joe Biden's delayed focus on cost-of-living issues. "Smart strategists are waking up, but it's late," the operative said.

Economic and Political Risks

The AI sector's rapid growth has bolstered U.S. GDP in 2025, making it a boon for states with major investments. Governors like Pennsylvania's Josh Shapiro and New York's Kathy Hochul have touted AI as an economic driver, wary of policies that could stifle it.

Industry groups echo these concerns. Ruth Whittaker of the center-left think tank Third Way warned that an anti-AI stance might erode business support. "Democrats need the business community's perspectives to connect with voters," she said.

Julie Samuels, president of TECH:NYC, acknowledged party tensions but advocated collaboration over confrontation. The tech lobby's financial clout was evident in 2024, when regulatory pressures under Biden drove AI donors toward Republicans, aiding Donald Trump's return to the White House.

Insiders cite multiple reasons for Democratic reticence: fear of further alienating tech money, the belief that AI's momentum is unstoppable and gaps in understanding the technology. As one consultant put it, the party risks ceding the issue to Republicans, who could rebrand populism around anti-AI themes.

Path Forward for 2026 and Beyond

With midterms looming, some establishment Democrats are shifting. Recent memos and speeches signal growing attention to AI's downsides, from workforce transitions to grid strain. Progressives argue this could energize the base in purple districts, where energy bills and job security resonate.

The debate reflects broader questions about the party's identity: Can Democrats blend anti-corporate fervor with economic realism? As public anxiety mounts — fueled by AI's role in everything from content creation to autonomous systems — the stakes are high.

If harnessed effectively, anti-AI populism could redefine Democratic messaging, much like past fights over trade or finance. Failure to act, however, might leave the party sidelined as voters demand bolder responses to technological upheaval.