Project Jupiter fight helps shape election for Doña Ana County commissioners

Project Jupiter, a hyperscale AI data center under construction in Santa Teresa for tenants Oracle and OpenAI, has faced significant community opposition and lawsuits. This opposition is now influencing the upcoming elections for the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners. The makeup of the commission will determine how the body approaches oversight and communications with the public about the historic $165 billion investment in the project, as well as any future votes affecting it. Several candidates, both for and against Project Jupiter, are running for open seats on the county board. Former county commissioner and vocal Project Jupiter supporter Shannon Reynolds resigned to run for county assessor, while current county chairman Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez opted not to seek re-election, citing criticism and harassment over the data center project. Opponents like Daisy Maldonado and supporters like Jose Ibarra are among those running for the open seats. The election outcomes will shape the county's approach to the controversial Project Jupiter development.