Missouri City Ousts Council That Approved $6B Data Center

All 4 incumbents in Festus voted out after backing controversial project

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, abstract painting featuring a fragmented, geometric data center tower in the foreground, with overlapping waves of vibrant blue, green, and purple colors representing the speed and disruption of the political battle over the project.The decisive ouster of city council members who approved a controversial $6 billion data center project reflects growing voter frustration over lack of transparency in local development decisions.Festus Today

Voters in Festus, Missouri have ousted all four city council incumbents who were up for reelection after they approved a $6 billion data center project that many residents say was pushed through with too little transparency. The new council members, including first-time candidate Rick Belleville who won by nearly 45%, say the fight was less about the data center itself and more about how the deal was handled.

Why it matters

The Festus data center vote highlights growing tensions between local governments and residents over large-scale development projects, with communities demanding more transparency and input. The decisive election results show the political power voters can wield when they feel their concerns have been ignored.

The details

In March, the Festus City Council voted 4-0 to approve the $6 billion data center project. Many residents felt the deal was rushed through without adequate public input or discussion of potential impacts. In the subsequent election, all four incumbents seeking reelection were voted out, including Ward 3 Councilmember Bobby Benz. The new council members, like Rick Belleville and Dan Moore, say the fight was less about the data center itself and more about the lack of transparency in the approval process.

  • On March 30, the Festus City Council voted 4-0 to approve the $6 billion data center project.
  • In the April 4 election, all four Festus City Council incumbents seeking reelection were voted out of office.

The players

Rick Belleville

A 70-year-old first-time candidate who won his city council race by almost 45%.

Dan Moore

The new city council member who defeated incumbent Bobby Benz in Ward 3.

Bobby Benz

The incumbent city council member in Ward 3 who was defeated by Dan Moore.

Festus City Council

The city council in Festus, Missouri that voted 4-0 to approve the $6 billion data center project, leading to the ouster of all four incumbents seeking reelection.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This data center fight has struck this community to the core and really, honestly ignited a community-driven effort here. People are awake now, and we're not going to let this continue on anymore.”

— Dan Moore, New City Council Member

“The way the deal was handled.”

— Rick Belleville, New City Council Member

What’s next

The new Festus City Council will likely revisit the data center project and seek more public input before making any decisions.

The takeaway

The Festus election results demonstrate the power of local voters to hold their elected officials accountable when they feel major development decisions are being made without sufficient transparency or community input. This could serve as a warning to other local governments considering large-scale projects.