Voter anger over the cost of living is quickly looming in next year’s midterm elections, when crucial races will be decided in communities facing rising electricity costs or disputes over who pays the bill to operate Big Tech’s energy-intensive data centers.
Electricity costs were a major issue in this week’s gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia, a major hotspot for data centers, and in Georgia, where Democrats ousted two Republicans from the state Utility Regulatory Commission.
For voters in New Jersey, Virginia, California and New York City, economic concerns were top of mind as Democrats and Republicans prepared for a cost-of-living debate in the heated midterm battle for control of Congress.
President Donald Trump has indicated he will focus on the cost of living next year as he and Republicans try to maintain their slim majority in Congress, while Democrats blame him for rising costs at home.
In the spotlight may be electricity bills, which in many places are rising faster than average U.S. inflation, but not everywhere.
“Politicians are under a lot of pressure to talk about the cost of living, and electricity prices are now the clearest example of affordability problems,” said Dan Cassino, a professor of politics and government and a pollster at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.
Rising electricity costs are not expected to abate, and many Americans may see their monthly bills increase amid next year’s campaigns.
Gas and electric companies are seeking or have already received more than $34 billion in rate increases in the first three quarters of 2025, according to Powerlines, a consumer advocacy organization. This number was more than double the same period last year.
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