Attempt to recall Port Washington mayor by anti-data center group fails, according to City

The group Great Lakes Neighbors United fell hundreds of signatures short of the threshold required to force a recall election against Mayor Ted Neitzke.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A two-month long effort by an advocacy group opposing the development of an artificial intelligence data center in Port Washington to force a recall election against the City's mayor falls hundreds of signatures short, according to an initial estimate from the City. The group Great Lakes Neighbors United, organized in December of 2025 by Christine Le Jeune, shared they were able to secure 1,200 signatures seeking to force a recall election against Mayor Ted Neitzke by a Monday deadline, but the City said an initial review showed the effort came up 'several hundred signatures' short of the number required to initiate the election.

Why it matters

The recall effort highlights the ongoing tensions in Port Washington over the development of a $15 billion Vantage data center project, with opponents citing concerns about transparency, communication, and potential retaliation. The failed recall attempt leaves Mayor Neitzke in office to oversee the data center's construction, which is expected to be completed in 2027.

The details

The group Great Lakes Neighbors United needed to reach a threshold of 25% of the qualified voters who cast a vote in the last Wisconsin gubernatorial election by the February 16 deadline in order to force a recall election. While the group said they were able to secure 1,200 signatures, the City's initial review found they fell several hundred signatures short of the required number. The group cited 'fear of retaliation, intimidation, and concerns about speaking out publicly' as factors that hindered their signature-gathering efforts.

  • The recall effort was initiated in December 2025.
  • The deadline to submit signatures was February 16, 2026.
  • Construction on the $15 billion Vantage data center project is expected to be completed in 2027.

The players

Great Lakes Neighbors United

An advocacy group organized in December 2025 to oppose the development of an artificial intelligence data center in Port Washington.

Christine Le Jeune

The organizer of Great Lakes Neighbors United.

Ted Neitzke

The mayor of Port Washington, whose recall was sought by Great Lakes Neighbors United.

Support The Port

A group supporting Mayor Neitzke that expressed satisfaction with the failed recall effort.

Vantage

The company behind the $15 billion 'Project Lighthouse' data center project in Port Washington.

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What they’re saying

“Throughout this process, we heard recurring themes from would-be supporters: fear of retaliation, intimidation, and concerns about speaking out publicly. The fact that residents feel they can't safely participate in a lawful democratic process actually reinforces why transparency and open communication matter so much. This isn't over. It is just the beginning.”

— Great Lakes Neighbors United (Facebook)

“Thank you to the wonderful people of Port Washington for standing up for common sense. The Recall has failed. We support Mayor Ted Neitzke and his commitment to a bright future for Port Washington.”

— Support The Port (Facebook)

“That is something…[that] was not authorized by me, run by me, or asked from me. I have no idea who's running that, or why they're running it. Some of the information on there is inaccurate, and I don't endorse it.”

— Ted Neitzke, Mayor of Port Washington (WTMJ Conversations)

“True leadership requires providing viable solutions and a clear path forward, not simply a curated list of grievances.”

— Ted Neitzke, Mayor of Port Washington (Statement)

“I learned a long time ago you can't shake hands with a clenched fist, and I'm just going to continue to work to build people's awareness and make sure they understand what's going on, be patient through the process, and ask others to do the same.”

— Ted Neitzke, Mayor of Port Washington (WTMJ Conversations)

What’s next

Mayor Neitzke's current term expires in 2027, one year after construction on the $15 billion Vantage data center project dubbed 'Project Lighthouse' is expected to be completed.

The takeaway

The failed recall effort underscores the ongoing tensions in Port Washington over the data center development, with opponents citing concerns about transparency and communication. However, the City's rejection of the recall leaves Mayor Neitzke in office to oversee the project's completion, highlighting the challenges faced by grassroots groups in influencing major development decisions in their community.