Sep 2, 2026
Independence Votes to Recall the Councilor Who Approved Nebius Tax Breaks
The voters of Independence, Missouri have rendered their verdict on a city councilor who supported massive tax breaks for the Nebius AI Factory in his city.
On Tuesday night, 68 percent of First District voters chose to recall Councilor John Perkins.
The unofficial count, per FOX4 Kansas City: 1,118 to remove, 525 to keep.
It is the first successful recall of an elected official in Independence history, and KSHB 41 reports it is believed to be the first of roughly 25 data center recall efforts across the country to reach a ballot.
Perkins had represented the First District since 2016 and been elected to the council five times since 1996 (previously representing the Second District from 1996 to 2004).
In March, Perkins joined a 5 to 2 majority approving property tax abatements for the Nebius AI Factory now under construction on 400 acres in his city. The New York Times put the incentives at an estimated $6.26 billion over 20 years.
The recall organizer, McKenna Cobb, told KSHB the fight began when residents tried to put those incentives to a public vote.
The city refused to certify their referendum petition. Residents sued. Then they gathered the signatures to recall Councilor Perkins.
Perkins sued in July to stop the recall election. A judge let it proceed. Perkins told KCTV on election day he never expected the recall to get this far.
He is the third of the five "Yes" votes to leave office. One lost his seat in April's regular election. Another lost her run for mayor the same day. Two remain on the council. Once the results are certified, Independence will hold a special election to fill the vacancy.
Independence residents were told the data center meant jobs and investment, and that their water and their electric bills were protected. They were told, after hours of testimony against the project, that the council knew best.
On Tuesday the people had the last word.