Amid data center support, voters in a Missouri town oust incumbent council members

In Festus, Missouri, a significant political shift occurred as four incumbent city council members lost their reelection bids, a week after they approved rules for a large data center project proposed by CRG Clayco. The $6 billion hyperscale data center, planned for 360 acres north of Highway 67, had generated months of intense public opposition. Candidates Dan Moore, Karl Weekley, Allen Joseph McCarthy, and Rick Belleville successfully ran on platforms emphasizing transparency and opposition to the data center. Their victories ousted Bobby Benz, Jim Collier, Brian Wehner, and Jim Tinnin, respectively. Residents, including Mary Youmans, had expressed strong concerns about the development and the city council's perceived lack of transparency. The election's outcome is seen by some as a potential indicator for other communities grappling with data center proposals, where local officials must balance significant tax revenue opportunities with public pushback. Festus City Administrator Greg Camp had previously described the project as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" for the city and county in terms of revenue. CRG Clayco has faced similar opposition before, with a previous project in St. Charles resulting in a yearlong moratorium. Opposition to data centers and transparency concerns also played a role in the mayoral election in nearby Pacific, where Mayor Heather Filley lost her bid to Alderwoman Debbie Kelley, who ran on a pro-transparency ticket.