Every election tells a story. The results of Frederick County’s 2026 primary election suggest that, beyond the individual candidates, many voters were expressing their views on how data center development has unfolded over the past several years.

The votes have now been counted, and one message from Frederick County’s primary election is difficult to ignore. In race after race, candidates who expressed skepticism or opposition toward the expansion of data centers generally performed well, while many candidates viewed as supportive of the Critical Digital Infrastructure Overlay Zone (CDI-OZ) struggled.

Whether one supports or opposes data centers, elections are ultimately about listening. This primary was more than a referendum on individual candidates. It was a signal from many voters that they believe the pace of change surrounding data center development has simply been too fast.

The irony is that relatively few people questioned whether the former Eastalco property was an appropriate location for redevelopment. For years, the industrially zoned site has been recognized as one of the best geographic locations in Maryland for a large-scale data center campus. Instead, concern intensified after the proposal expanded beyond the original industrial property through the creation of the 2,615-acre CDI-OZ overlay. Many residents, particularly in the Adamstown area, felt that the conversation had shifted from redeveloping a former industrial site to opening the door for much broader expansion.

Looking back, there are lessons for everyone involved.

Frederick County government could have done a better job communicating with residents before major decisions were made. Public hearings alone were not enough. Many citizens felt decisions had already been made before they had an opportunity to participate. Whether that perception was accurate or not, perception often becomes political reality.

The developers also bear some responsibility. Quantum Loophole’s early infrastructure work was plagued by environmental violations and negative publicity that damaged public confidence. Although TPG Real Estate Partners ultimately replaced Quantum Loophole with Catellus Development to oversee the project, the change was never fully explained to the public. Many residents never realized that the original management team had been removed or that a new developer was attempting to reset the project. That lost opportunity allowed early distrust to persist.

Meanwhile, local events unfolded against the backdrop of a rapidly growing national anti-data-center movement. Concerns about water use, electric demand, backup generators, and large industrial buildings became intertwined with deeper questions about trust, transparency, and whether local communities still have meaningful influence over decisions that reshape their neighborhoods.

The unsuccessful referendum effort further energized many opponents. Although the courts ultimately ruled that the CDI-OZ ordinance was not subject to referendum, the petition campaign demonstrated that thousands of Frederick County residents wanted a larger voice in the process.

Over the past several months, the MacRo Report has attempted to separate facts from speculation by examining many of the technical issues surrounding Quantum Frederick. I continue to believe the project offers significant long-term economic benefits for Frederick County. At the same time, this election makes one thing equally clear: successful development requires public trust as much as private investment.

With approximately fifteen data center buildings now under construction or in advanced stages of development on the Quantum Frederick campus, these facilities are no longer a future possibility—they are becoming part of our community. The question before us is no longer whether data centers are coming, but how we move forward together.

Between now and the November general election, I hope we see regular, constructive dialogue among county government, developers, data center operators, the business community, and county residents. Frederick County has always succeeded when people with differing viewpoints found common ground. Whatever happens this fall, that spirit of collaboration will be far more important than who won or lost in June.

Rocky Mackintosh, Broker of MacRo, LTD has been advising regional landowners, investors, and institutions for over 50 years. He has been an active member of the Frederick community for over five decades and has served on a number of community organization boards, including as a member of the Frederick County Charter Board from 2010 to 2012. He has firsthand experience supporting nationally recognized hyperscalers with site search and selection services throughout the Mid-Atlantic.