Sunday, November 15, 2026SubscribeMastheadAbout
Cali ReporterCalifornia · National · West Coast · Good News

Advertisement

Business

Texas turning blue may hinge on Democrats harnessing data center opposition

watch nowTEXAS, Mason McCallister said it was an act of God that sent him down a gravel road near his home in Bells, Texas, one Sunday last

Portrait of Sam Delacroix
Consumer & Retail · September 23, 2026
Share

AI-generated stock-style editorial illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
AI-generated stock-style editorial illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.

watch nowTEXAS — Mason McCallister said it was an act of God that sent him down a gravel road near his home in Bells, Texas, one Sunday last December.It wasn't the normal route he and his family take back from church, but he decided to detour so his daughters could shout hello to their grandmother as they drove by her home. What he saw that day catapulted him into a debate playing out around the country — and especially in Texas — over data centers.

It's one that may now affect the outcome of key elections in the Lone Star State.As they rolled past, flashes of red caught McCallister's eye among the lush green of the area's gentle hills."Driving down that road, I just see survey markers everywhere," McCallister, a real estate agent, told CNBC. "And I knew at that time what was happening.

First reported by CNBC.

The Cali Reporter newsletter

The stories worth your time.

California, the country, and what comes next. Join our free newsletter for reporting that keeps you informed.

By joining, you agree to receive the Cali Reporter newsletter. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy.

More in Business

Advertisement