2025 elections: Democrats win Public Service Commission races
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Three years after elections were delayed by a federal judge, two Democrats have flipped seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission.
Why it matters: The five-member commission sets electricity and natural gas rates. The two races on the ballot garnered widespread attention across Georgia as many residents grapple with increasing electricity bills.
- Georgia Power bills have increased six times since 2023, the AJC reports.
- The previously all-Republican commission also regulates telecom companies and has major say over the future of clean energy in Georgia.
Driving the news: Democratic challenger Peter Hubbard defeated Republican incumbent Fitz Johnson with 59% of the vote for the District 3 seat, which covers metro Atlanta.
- Democrat Alicia Johnson also ousted longtime incumbent Republican Tim Echols for the District 2 seat, which represents the eastern part of the state, with 59%. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution called the races around 9pm Tuesday night.
What they're saying: Alicia Johnson said in a statement her win "reflects the power of people coming together for change."
- "I am profoundly grateful for the partnerships, prayers, and persistence that carried us across the finish line," she said. "To our program partners and community allies who kept us grounded in purpose, thank you for championing my belief that public policy is personal. This victory isn't just mine, it's ours."
In a post on X, Echols congratulated Johnson "on her well-fought victory."
- "I pray your experience on the PSC will be as meaningful as mine. Godspeed to you."
How it works: Commissioners are elected statewide but must live in a specific district. They serve staggered six-year terms.
- Fitz Johnson was appointed to the District 3 seat in 2021 by Gov. Brian Kemp. Hubbard will serve out the remainder of that term, which expires Dec. 31, 2026.
- The term for the District 2 seat ends on Dec. 31, 2030.
By the numbers: 1.5 million people voted in the 2025 elections across Georgia, Secretary of State office spokesperson Robert Sinners said Wednesday in a statement.
- 909,419 people voted on Election Day, 625,174 cast ballots during early voting and 16,651 voted by mail.
Catch up quick: No elections have been held since 2022 for PSC seats.
- A lawsuit filed in 2020 alleged that having at-large seats doesn't allow Black voters to elected a commissioner of their choice, a violation of the Voting Rights Act.
- A federal judge in August 2022 struck down the at-large voting method for the seats, but an appeals court later reversed that decision.
What we're watching: The commission will decide whether Georgia Power and other utilities can pass on the costs of hurricane cleanup, fuel and transmission lines to ratepayers, Jennette Gayer of Environment Georgia previously told Axios.