‘Save this country’: Voters weigh in on what drove them to the polls
New Mexico voters interviewed for a Santa Fe New Mexican election story expressed concerns about data center development, including Project Jupiter in Santa Teresa. Voters cited opposition to the project’s perceived land, noise and waste impacts, as well as data centers’ water use, while supporting a proposed moratorium on new facilities if Deb Haaland becomes governor.
Voters across New Mexico discussed data center development as one of several issues influencing their participation in the 2026 midterm elections. Troy Logan, an 18-year-old first-time voter from Rio Rancho, criticized spending associated with Project Jupiter, a large development in Santa Teresa that has drawn fierce opposition, and said he supported gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland’s proposal to impose a moratorium on new data centers.
Other voters also raised concerns about the industry’s environmental and community impacts. Susan Rieth of Las Cruces said she was uncertain whether she would support a ban or moratorium but was concerned about data centers’ water consumption, while Joanna Perez said facilities would bring excessive noise and waste. The article does not report a government action or final decision on the project or a statewide moratorium.