How do Americans feel about AI?
We conduct opinion research to understand Americans’ fears and concerns. In 2026, we conducted surveys in battleground districts — below are a few key insights.
Each dot stands for one respondent in the three district surveys on this page.
The AI industry is toxically unpopular.
AI companies are underwater by 23 to 36 points and data centers by 31 to 44. AI itself does better. The anger is aimed at the companies and their buildout.
- Data centers
- AI companies
- AI
- Net favorable rating (favorable minus unfavorable), points
It’s bigger than data centers.
Our research showed Americans are deeply concerned about AI, the future of the technology and the billionaires building it. This isn’t simple NIMBYism.
- Vote to block state AI laws
- Data-center argument
- Share calling each argument a convincing reason to vote against the incumbent
AI is a voting issue.
Most voters in each district rate a candidate’s AI stance as important to their vote. After hearing more about AI policy, that share grows by 7 to 11 points.
- At first
- After hearing more about AI policy
- Share rating a candidate’s AI stance 5 to 7 on a 7-point importance scale
Workbench Strategy surveys of likely November 2026 voters by phone, email and text-to-web. WI-3: Sept. 19–23, n=502. PA-8: Sept. 21–27, n=500. AZ-6: Sept. 29–Oct. 4, n=503. Margin of error about ±4.4 points.
Data table
| District | AI | AI companies | Data centers |
|---|---|---|---|
| WI-3 | −15 | −29 | −39 |
| AZ-6 | −5 | −23 | −31 |
| PA-8 | −21 | −36 | −44 |
| District | Vote to block state AI laws | Data-center argument | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| WI-3 (vs. Van Orden) | 57% | 55% | +2 pts |
| AZ-6 (vs. Ciscomani) | 57% | 53% | +4 pts |
| PA-8 (vs. Bresnahan) | 62% | 57% | +5 pts |
| District | At first | After hearing more about AI policy | Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| WI-3 | 51% | 58% | +7 pts |
| AZ-6 | 53% | 64% | +11 pts |
| PA-8 | 60% | 67% | +7 pts |