Recent announcements surrounding County Judge Hoppy Haden have severely shaken the public’s trust in our local government. For many, this feels like a profound betrayal.
Just two months ago, Judge Haden stood before the community at our non-partisan town hall where he pledged to do everything in his power to stand up for the overwhelming majority of Caldwell County residents opposed to the influx of data center developments that threaten our land, our water and local resources, our cost of living, and our way of life.
To now learn that Judge Haden is selling his own ranch to data center interests, while simultaneously taking the vast majority of his political funding from a data center land broker, completely undermines his ability to serve as an objective champion for our county. Public office requires absolute transparency and undivided loyalty to the community, not financial ties to the very industries residents are fighting to hold accountable.
Because public trust has been compromised beyond repair, Caldwell DCAT calls for:
- The Resignation of County Judge Hoppy Haden: The people of Caldwell County deserve leadership that is uncompromised and fully dedicated to the community's interest. Judge Haden should step down immediately.
- A Full and Independent Investigation: While the termination of ADA Sitton was a necessary first step, firing an employee does not clear the air. We urge DA Weber and the Texas Attorney General’s Office to initiate a thorough, independent investigation into all real estate, development agreements, campaign and personal finance dealings between Judge Haden and data center acquisition groups to ensure legal and ethical accountability.
Caldwell County families deserve clear answers, honest government, and leaders who keep their promises. We will continue to organize, attend commissioner court meetings, and advocate for full transparency at every level of our local government.
This is a profound betrayal of public trust. An elected official who leverages public office to advance a private development while personally profiting from that same project has no business remaining in office. And conduct this brazen raises the obvious question: what else has been done at the public’s expense? He needs to go. This warrants investigation, accountability, and, if the evidence supports it, prosecution.