UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, Democratic candidates Peter Hubbard and Alicia Johnson have secured victories in the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) races held on November 7, 2025. This outcome not only shifts the balance to a 3-2 Democratic majority but also raises significant implications for the upcoming U.S. Senate elections in Georgia.
The electoral results have sent shockwaves through political circles. A South Georgia Republican previously warned that losing these PSC seats could signal to out-of-state donors that the state’s U.S. Senate seat, currently held by Jon Ossoff, is “in play” for the next election cycle. With national attention on Georgia, the stakes have never been higher.
Democrats’ success on Tuesday is part of a larger wave of victories across the nation, spurred largely by a growing anti-Trump sentiment. As seen in other races, the municipal elections held on the same ballot may have fueled interest in the PSC races, which Republicans feared would benefit their opponents.
Hubbard and Johnson campaigned vigorously on promises to promote cleaner energy sources such as wind and solar. These positions resonated particularly with younger voters, a demographic increasingly concerned about climate change and energy sustainability. In contrast, incumbent Republicans Fitz Johnson and Tim Echols attempted to counter these proposals by arguing that they would lead to higher rates, referencing the controversial “Green New Deal” as an example of excessive government intervention.
The incumbents faced significant backlash over recent rate increases approved for Georgia Power, which many voters have cited as a financial burden. “Higher electric bills are one of the reasons people are hurting financially,” echoed voters disillusioned by rising costs. Johnson and Echols defended the rate hikes, attributing them to escalating input costs and assuring constituents that they had kept increases as low as possible.
Despite their efforts, the incumbents’ message appeared to falter, suggesting a possible voter fatigue with their long tenure. The PSC’s unique electoral structure, where candidates must reside in specific districts but are voted on statewide, could have contributed to this shift in public sentiment. Voters had been waiting for this election since a court case paused all PSC races in 2020, claiming the system diluted Black voting strength.
As Hubbard and Johnson prepare to take office on January 1, 2026, the immediate future of the PSC and its decisions on energy policy will be closely monitored. Their victory not only reshapes the commission but also serves as a bellwether for the upcoming midterm elections in Georgia.
Political analysts are now left to ponder the implications of this electoral shift. Will the Democratic majority lead to significant changes in energy policy, or will the Republicans find a way to regain their footing? With Georgia’s political landscape evolving rapidly, all eyes will be on the state as it navigates these new challenges.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the fallout from the Georgia PSC elections continues to unfold.