Changing Attitudes Toward Government and Development in Texas

In Centerville, Texas, residents are experiencing shifts regarding government involvement and development projects. A preference for smaller government is waning as Republican voters urge leaders to block large-scale projects. This sentiment is shared by locals like Patrick Williams. Patrick, along with his brother Stephen, is concerned about the environmental and economic impacts data centers might have on their community.

Nikki Meador, a resident of rural Leon County, embodies this change. She grew up in East Texas and is a lifelong conservative who has voted for former President Trump three times. Despite her strong political beliefs, she has little experience with activism because there has traditionally been little to protest in her area.