Georgia Democrats oust two GOP incumbents in Public Service Commission special election
Alicia Johnson defeats Tim Echols; Peter Hubbard ousts Fitz Johnson.
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Georgia Democrats won two seats on the state’s hugely influential Public Service Commission (PSC) on Tuesday.
Alicia Johnson ousted Republican incumbent Tim Echols in the special election to represent district 2 on the PSC, while Peter Hubbard defeated GOP incumbent Fitz Johnson in district 3.
As of 9:21 p.m., Johnson had 59 percent to Echols’ 41 percent, while Hubbard had the exact same margin over Johnson.
Five people make up the PSC, the body responsible for regulating various utility services in Georgia.
The PSC determines the rates that utility companies, such as Georgia Power, can charge their customers for electricity, natural gas, and telecommunications services.
Here are its other duties:
- Oversees the quality and reliability of services provided by utilities.
- Reviews and approves long-range plans for power production and other resource management from utility companies.
- Handles consumer complaints and inquiries related to utility services and provide information on assistance programs.
- Involved in pipeline safety regulations and the Georgia Underground Facility Protection Act.
Former state senator Jason Esteves, who is one of several Democrats seeking the party’s gubernatorial nomination next year, congratulated both Hubbard and Johnson.
“Georgians have made their voices heard; they’re ready for new leadership who will work to tackle high power bills,” Esteves said. “I look forward to working with Commissioners-elect Johnson and Hubbard to bring down energy costs across Georgia.”
State Rep. Ruwa Romman, also a Democratic gubernatorial hopeful, said, “Voters are fed up and tonight demonstrates that not only are they ready for a change in 2025, but if we organize every single day between now and next November, Georgia will flip back in 2026.”
Johnson claimed victory at 8:17 p.m., saying “Tonight’s victory belongs to every volunteer who knocked on doors, every supporter who made a call, sent a donation, made a post, passed out a flyer, or sent a text, to every friend who shared our message, and every voter who believed that accountable leadership and affordable energy are worth fighting for.”
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