In an interview published ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, WIRED spoke with New York City's mayor about data centers, the use of artificial intelligence in schools, and the future of the Democratic Party.
Ahead of the 2026 midterms · AI in city government
AI is now a city issue: power, classrooms and party direction
New York City's mayor weighed in on data centers, the use of AI in schools and the future of the Democratic Party as voters prepare for the midterms. The three issues are increasingly linked in local and state politics.
How the three issues connect
Local executive decisions can move from city hall to national politics
1 · Infrastructure
Data centers
Servers that power AI and cloud computing need large amounts of electricity and water.
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2 · Public services
Schools
Districts are weighing how AI tools should reach students and teachers.
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3 · Politics
Democratic Party
Candidates are positioning on economic and technology policy heading into the midterms.
Schools: potential benefits
Possible gains for student learning
Support for teachers in how AI tools are introduced
Schools: concerns raised
Academic integrity
Student data privacy
Equity of access
Data centers: core questions
Where facilities are built
How they are regulated
Who bears their costs
Data centers: grid pressure
Heavy electricity demand
Water use
Possible strain on local power grids
Key takeaway
Decisions on infrastructure and schooling made at the city level can become national political issues.
Live questions into the 2026 campaign:
Data center approvals
AI policies in schools
Party platforms
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