Democrats appear poised to flip two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission, delivering a major upset in Tuesday’s special election.
As of 9:45 p.m., Democratic candidates Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard each led with roughly 60% of the vote, according to unofficial results from the Georgia Secretary of State’s office.
Republican incumbent Tim Echols ended his virtual election-night watch party early after congratulating both candidates. He did not formally concede but acknowledged the results.
“It’s been my pleasure to do this for 15 years on the commission. The numbers have been called. We’re going to come back if anything changes,” Echols said before signing off.
Fitz Johnson, the appointed Republican commissioner facing Hubbard, had not conceded as of shortly before 9 p.m.
Democrats declare victory
Johnson celebrated what she called a win for Georgia ratepayers, pledging to prioritize the public over utility interests.
“This victory isn’t just mine, it’s ours,” Johnson said. “It’s for the single mother choosing between groceries and her power bill, the senior trying to keep the lights on, and the young voter who showed up believing that their voice matters.”
Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Charlie Bailey called the results a referendum on Republican leadership.
“In this election, Georgians spoke up loud and clear: they’re sick of Republicans who help corporations and billionaires enrich themselves on the backs of working people,” Bailey said.
National Democrats also weighed in, framing the outcome as a rejection of rising utility costs.
Rate hikes and turnout concerns
The Democrats’ campaign message focused heavily on frustration over recent utility rate increases. The all-Republican commission approved six rate hikes in the last two years, pushing average residential power bills up by an estimated $500 annually.
Republican leaders had expressed concern about the timing of Tuesday’s vote, which coincided with municipal elections that were expected to boost Democratic turnout. Gov. Brian Kemp and other GOP figures attempted to rally voters and warned of possible Democratic gains.
Partisan stakes and statewide signals
The PSC regulates electric and natural gas utilities in Georgia, including rates and major energy projects. The outcome marks the first time since 2020 that sitting commissioners faced voters after a lawsuit halted previous elections over the commission’s at-large voting system.
A Democratic sweep would end the GOP’s longtime dominance on the five-member body and could signal shifting political winds heading into 2026, when U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff seeks reelection and Georgia voters choose a new governor.
Echols, who has served 15 years, and Fitz Johnson, appointed in 2021, were both seeking to retain their seats.
Unofficial results will be certified in the coming days.
Georgia Recorder’s Alander Rocha contributed to this article
