UPDATE: In a surprising turn of events, Democratic candidates Peter Hubbard and Alicia Johnson have secured victories in the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) elections held on November 8, 2025. This shift in power could have significant implications, especially with the upcoming U.S. Senate race in Georgia.
The results indicate a potential shift in voter sentiment. Republican insiders had warned that losing these PSC seats could signal to out-of-state donors that the closely watched Senate seat held by Sen. Jon Ossoff is “in play” for the upcoming election cycle. As such, the wins by Hubbard and Johnson may lead to an influx of funding for Ossoff’s re-election campaign, as many eyes are now on Georgia.
Voter turnout was likely influenced by broader trends observed across the nation, where Democrats capitalized on anti-Trump sentiment. The municipal elections on the same ballot also drew significant interest, which GOP strategists feared would benefit the Democratic candidates.
Hubbard and Johnson’s platform, promoting the use of cleaner energy sources like wind and solar, resonated particularly with younger voters. In response, incumbents Fitz Johnson and Tim Echols attempted to leverage concerns about rate increases tied to the PSC’s decisions regarding Georgia Power over the past three years.
“Electric rates are high, but they’d be even higher if you voted for Democrats!” was the rallying cry from the Republican incumbents. However, it appears this message may not have resonated as hoped, given the financial strain many Georgians are facing due to rising electric bills.
Georgia’s unique PSC election process has drawn scrutiny, especially after a lawsuit aimed at challenging the system’s impact on Black voting strength delayed elections until 2024. This year’s results mark a pivotal moment, as Hubbard and Johnson will officially take office on January 1, 2026, creating a new 3-2 Democratic majority on the PSC.
The implications of this shift will likely extend beyond the PSC, influencing Georgia’s political landscape as midterm elections loom. Observers are keenly watching how these changes will affect energy policy and voter mobilization in the lead-up to the Senate elections.
As the political climate shifts, the focus now turns to how this new Democratic majority will operate and what consequences it may have for both Georgia’s energy policies and its political future. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge in this developing story.
