“The data center story fits in with the economic anxiety story because people are very concerned that some of the deals that are being offered to data center developers involve processes that will end up with people paying higher bills for their utilities,” Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, told WTOP News. “The concern, above all, is one of economic anxiety, and the data center story is part of that.”

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“Republicans have not made this race a priority,” said Stephen Farnsworth, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Mary Washington. Warner’s reputation as a centrist works in his favor, Farnsworth said, but Trump’s unpopularity and voters’ frustration over high prices would likely benefit almost every Democrat. 

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With Election Day about three weeks away, political analysts largely agree the economy is the top issue on voters’ minds as they prepare to cast their ballots. But data centers, and the impact they’re having on communities across the country, fall under that category, according to Stephen Farnsworth, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Mary Washington.

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Experts who spoke to The New Republic emphasized that, despite the favorable political circumstances, the odds are still in Republicans’ favor in Virginia’s 5th district. But there’s a larger story at play. “Democrats can win the House without Virginia five,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Mary Washington. But “the fact that Virginia five is increasingly seen as competitive speaks to what a challenging environment Republicans are facing this fall.”

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Stephen Farnsworth, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Mary Washington, stated that the data centers are becoming a part of the wider economic discussion because of concerns regarding rising household utility expenses.

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