Candidates running for Kentucky’s U.S. Senate seat are divided over how the government should regulate artificial intelligence, a technology rapidly reshaping industries, the economy and the workforce.
The race will determine who succeeds Mitch McConnell, who is not seeking reelection.
Several leading Republican candidates — Andy Barr, Daniel Cameron and Lexington entrepreneur Nate Morris — support a federal approach that would prevent individual states from creating their own AI regulations beyond national standards.
The concept, known as preemption, has been supported by the a administration of Donald Trump. The policy would require congressional approval to take effect. A version passed the U.S. House but was not included in the Senate version of the administration’s 2025 budget legislation.
Barr, Cameron and Morris argue that a unified national framework would help the United States remain competitive in the global race to develop AI technology, particularly against China.
Barr said technological advances often cause disruption but eventually lead to economic growth and productivity. He added that the U.S. should take the lead in developing the technology rather than allowing China to dominate the industry.
Cameron also expressed concern about the energy demands of large data centers needed to power AI systems. He said companies building those facilities should bear the costs of additional electricity generation instead of passing those expenses to local residents.
Another Republican candidate, Michael Faris, opposes federal preemption. He argues that states should retain the authority to regulate AI and rejects claims that state oversight would weaken the United States in the global technology race.
Democratic candidates in the race also expressed differing views. Pamela Stevenson and Charles Booker strongly oppose federal preemption, saying states should maintain autonomy in setting AI rules.
Booker also suggested pausing new data center construction while lawmakers better understand the technology’s economic and social impacts.
Other Democratic candidates, including Logan Forsythe, Amy McGrath and Dale Romans, said national regulations could offer consistency but raised concerns about how federal policies might be implemented.
Across party lines, candidates agreed that communities should have a say in whether large AI data centers are built nearby. Many also emphasized that companies should pay for infrastructure upgrades and avoid shifting energy or environmental costs onto local residents.
Artificial intelligence has become a growing political issue nationwide as policymakers debate how to balance innovation, economic growth and concerns about job losses, energy demand and data privacy.