Quantica Executives Fund Montana Politicians Before Data Center Proposal

Two Quantica executives made identical 2024 donations to Montana politicians before proposing a large Yellowstone County data center.

John Chesser and Damon Obie, CEO and general counsel of Texas-based Quantica Infrastructure, contributed personal funds to nine Montana state political candidates, including Gov. Greg Gianforte, ahead of announcing a nearly 8-square-mile data center near Broadview. This financial involvement preceded legislative wins favoring data centers, notably a tax break and the Right to Compute Act passed in 2025, despite local opposition and a failed ballot initiative requiring voter approval.

The donations—within legal limits—ranged from $250 to $1,120 and were made over four days in October 2024. Several recipients were reportedly unaware of the contributions. Meanwhile, the governor appointed Chesser to an energy task force and signed a memorandum on energy infrastructure, signaling state-level support. Local unions backing the data center also donated to county candidates in 2026. Opposition intensified with over 14,000 Yellowstone County voters signing a 2026 ballot initiative that ultimately failed due to a signature deadline error. Political experts note even modest donations can secure access to officials.

Proponents may try to renew signature gathering for a special election in spring. Meanwhile, the data center must obtain environmental permits before construction can proceed.

Given Montana’s vast geography and emphasis on local control, businesses like Quantica might find political contributions a necessary strategy to navigate regulatory landscapes and community resistance, particularly in energy-intensive sectors such as data centers.

Top employees for data center company eyeing Yellowstone County made matching political donations before announcing plans
By Phoebe Tollefson, Montana Free Press