Democratic candidate John “Drew” Williams is challenging U.S. Rep. James Comer in Kentucky with proposals to charge property investors and data centers for costs the campaign aims to keep off households.
Federal Election Commission (FEC) records show a wide gap in the campaigns’ June 30 cash balances: $3,041,112.38 for Comer and $20,181.79 for Williams. Williams later reported $42,331.99 on hand as of Sept. 30. His campaign recorded $210,630.12 in total receipts from April 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026.
Williams’ American Home Promise Plan proposes tax credits for builders, low-interest loans and faster permitting to pursue a five-year target of four million affordable starter homes. It would give prospective owner-occupants, including first-time buyers, 45 days to make offers on listed single-family homes before investors could buy them.
The plan would impose a 2% fee on investor home purchases. Williams proposes using the proceeds to provide eligible first-time buyers with up to $10,000 toward closing costs.
His data center proposal would pause new construction and expansions until his Data Center Development Regulation Plan becomes federal law. It would require data centers to pay the full cost of generation, transmission and distribution upgrades needed for their projects. Separate utility rates are intended to keep those expenses off existing customers’ bills.
The campaign describes data centers as major users of electricity, water and land. Its proposal would place the cost of infrastructure built to serve them on the facilities themselves.
Williams also proposes a livestreamed constituent town hall lasting at least three hours in every two-month period. In an interview with the Hindustan Times, he said, “my constituent is my only special interest.”
Comer has represented the district since 2016 and chairs the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. His congressional office lists lower taxes, affordable energy and fewer business regulations among his priorities. Kentucky’s certified results show he received 252,729 votes in 2024, compared with 85,524 for Democrat Erin Marshall.
Kentucky’s candidate filings list both men in the 1st Congressional District race. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.
