To: Interested Parties
From: Sara Schreiber, SVP of Campaigns, LCV Victory Fund
Date: September 25, 2026
Re: MEMO: Big Oil and Big Tech Could Drive Voter Turnout

Big Oil and Big Tech took center stage as growing opposition from voters on data center development and AI and skyrocketing energy prices continues to put a strain on voters’ pockets. This week we are taking a look at new polling on what is motivating the “doubly disenchanted” voter, stories from the field, and sharing ads that dropped on the airwaves this week.

New Polling 

The Cook Political Report released a new analysis that identifies the “doubly disenchanted” voter as a crucial voting bloc that could determine the outcome of the Midterms. These voters are defined as being under the age of 35, Republican-leaning Independents and lower income/education. According to Cook, “they draw the line on lowering gas prices and energy costs, giving Democrats a 37%-27% advantage – suggesting it’s the one critical pain point that could ultimately cause them to defect.”

Gaining Ground

By the numbers: 

Across Michigan, Nevada, Ohio and Wisconsin:

• • • 404,789 doors knocked
    • 43,047 door contacts

Notes from the Field:

• Michigan: Sheila shared that she wants candidates to focus on rising costs of living and noted that the price of utilities and groceries has gotten too high for her. She plans to vote early in-person for Jocelyn Benson and Abdul El-Sayed.
• Ohio: In Columbus, Steve said utility costs were the issue he was most concerned about this election cycle and a key motivator for him. He shared that he is angry that our government is not helping regular people, but always helping billionaires out.
• Wisconsin: In Eau Claire, Madison admitted that she rarely votes, but noted that she could no longer remain silent or indifferent due to the “suffering brought about by the Trump administration” and concerns that data centers might impact her quality of life. As a result, she intends to vote for a straight Democratic ticket this November.

New on the Air

This week, LCV Victory Fund launched a $2 million digital ad campaign in six House districts focused on Republican incumbents’ votes to give data centers tens of billions in tax breaks. The program names incumbent Republican candidates in AZ-06, IA-03, MI-07, MN-01, VA-01 and WI-03. The ads will run on CTV and YouTube until November 3rd.

MS Now broke the news stating: “The campaign represents an effort by the environmental group to capitalize on a political backlash that has increasingly followed proposed data centers across the country. Residents in communities facing new developments have raised concerns about electricity costs, water use, noise and strain on local power grids.”

In North Carolina, EDF Action Votes, LCV Victory Fund, and NRDC Action Votes launched a new $1.5 million ad campaign targeting Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley over his two-decade career as a lobbyist for Big Oil and Duke Energy. Duke and the oil industry are now backing Whatley even as Duke requests rate hikes on North Carolina families. The ad, “Their Man,”  will run on CTV, YouTube, and digital audio through Sept. 28th.

📺Is this thing on (the air)?

Check out our ongoing paid media campaigns below:

*In partnership with EDF Action Votes and NRDC Action Votes

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Paid for by LCV Victory Fund, www.lcvvictoryfund.org, and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.