Utah State Senate President Loses Primary Bid After Championing Controversial Data Center

J. Stuart Adams, president of Utah’s state Senate and one of the state’s longest-serving politicians, lost his Republican primary nomination to Stephanie Hollist Tuesday after publicly advocating for a massive data center project.

The proposed Stratos data center, which would be built on a 40,000-acre site approximately 60 miles north of Salt Lake City, has faced strong opposition from Utah voters concerned about its high energy demands and potential strain on water resources in drought-affected regions. Though the project falls outside Adams’ congressional district, he served as chairman of a Utah agency that approved initial plans for construction this spring. In a press release last month, Adams praised the initiative, stating: “This project supports the free world through reliable energy supply while creating real opportunity for communities here at home.”

As public backlash intensified, Adams sent Kevin O’Leary—known as a “Shark Tank” panelist—the data center’s backing figure—a letter demanding substantial reductions to its size and scope. O’Leary agreed to the revisions. Following this shift, Adams launched campaign materials touting his efforts to address data centers.

A Republican county commissioner in Box Elder County who supported the project lost his primary race, while another candidate remains trailing in their contest. The Stratos facility must undergo multiple reviews before construction can begin.

In her victory speech, Hollist stated that voters have become “tired of feeling like they’re not seeing themselves represented in government.” Hollist is expected to win the general election in Utah’s deep-red district with minimal opposition.