Bowie County’s data center deal just got dragged into the Georgia governor’s race
Bowie County, Texas, sold 582 acres to Datahub Developers LLC for a data center project despite local opposition. The deal has become a point of contention in Georgia's gubernatorial race, where the developer's CEO, Rick Jackson, is the Republican nominee. Residents are concerned about the project's impact on water and power resources.
A land deal in Bowie County, Texas, where 582 acres were sold to Datahub Developers LLC for a data center, has become a key point of attack in Georgia's gubernatorial race. Keisha Lance Bottoms, the Democratic nominee and former Atlanta mayor, criticized her Republican opponent, Rick Jackson—who is the chief executive of Datahub Developers—for pursuing a project that local Texas communities oppose. Bottoms accused Jackson of trying to hide details and silence community members, demanding transparency on his investments.
Jackson's campaign did not address the Texas project directly. Records show Datahub Developers LLC is registered to Jackson Healthcare's office park, with Jackson listed as its CEO. Despite the county commissioners approving the $12 million sale on August 28, nothing has been built yet, and no deed has been recorded. The deal includes a confidentiality clause, and local residents have formed the 'No Bowie County Data Centers' group to oppose the project, citing concerns about water use and power demand. Additionally, the city of New Boston engineered water and sewer lines to the tract more than a year before the public vote.
Rick Jackson has publicly stated his belief that communities should control data center development and has outlined conditions for such projects, including local support, community benefit agreements, and full payment for infrastructure. However, the Bowie County deal's confidential terms and approval despite opposition appear to contradict his stated principles. The project is one of several data center or solar developments along a SWEPCO transmission line in the region, with a potential tenant not expected to be named until 2027.