Elected Officials Face Recalls Nationwide Over Data Center Support
Summary
Local elected officials in several U.S. communities are facing attempts to remove them from office because they supported data center projects. These efforts focus on concerns about the environmental impact and public input, while supporters say data centers bring investment and help build America’s AI infrastructure.Key Facts
- Voters in different states are trying to recall mayors, council members, and other officials who approved data center developments or incentives.
- Ballotpedia reported 329 officials faced recall efforts in early 2026, the highest midyear number since 2014.
- Concerns include high electricity and water use, noise, environmental effects, property values, and lack of public influence.
- Supporters argue data centers create investment, tax revenue, and support AI infrastructure.
- John Perkins, a councilman in Independence, Missouri, was removed from office after supporting a data center with a 90% property tax break.
- In Festus, Missouri, voters ousted council members after backing a large $6 billion data center, but recall attempts against others were blocked due to legal standards.
- Oklahoma Mayor Brian Pillmore faces a recall vote for supporting land sales to a data center company after dropping an unpopular amphitheater plan.
- Some recall drives failed to reach votes due to legal technicalities or insufficient grounds besides political disagreement.
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