Drawn to the polls by local issues, Atlanta voters influence statewide Georgia utility races

Voters at a south Atlanta polling place cited local issues like infrastructure and City Council accountability as top concerns Tuesday. Two statewide races for the Georgia Public Service Commission were often an afterthought.  Yet, voters like the ones streaming in and out of the Thomasville Recreation Center on Tuesday are poised to help Georgia Democrats […]

A sign directing voters to the polling station at the Thomasville Recreation Center in Atlanta on Nov. 4, 2025. Alander Rocha/Georgia Recorder

Voters at a south Atlanta polling place cited local issues like infrastructure and City Council accountability as top concerns Tuesday. Two statewide races for the Georgia Public Service Commission were often an afterthought. 

Yet, voters like the ones streaming in and out of the Thomasville Recreation Center on Tuesday are poised to help Georgia Democrats potentially win their first statewide constitutional office since 2006. 

Two Democrats, Peter Hubbard and Alicia Johnson, are trying to unseat Republicans Fitz Johnson and Tim Echols from the commission, which regulates the state’s utilities like electricity and natural gas. Democrats have launched a statewide campaign focused on concerns over rising energy prices, citing the current commission’s approval of six power bill increases over the last two years.

Georgia utility races seen as potential bellwether for 2026 midterms

Political observers say Democrats have a chance to win one or both seats on the ballot this year, but more so because of the concurrent municipal elections that could boost turnout among left-leaning voters than any angst over power bills.

For many voting in Atlanta, where local races are abundant, the election was a referendum on the immediate quality of life in their neighborhoods. Brad DiFiore, a 56-year-old consultant in Atlanta, said he was primarily disappointed by the lack of progress on the city’s transportation and infrastructure projects. He said he was aware of the PSC race, but it was not the main draw for him.

“I wouldn’t say I was paying that close of attention to it, but I know the consequences,” DiFiore said. “So, I voted for Democrats across the board on it.”

Aside from making sure their voices were heard on local issues, many Atlanta voters simply wanted to exercise their right to cast a ballot. Titus Rousseau, a 46-year-old custodian in Atlanta, said that as a Black man, he makes sure his vote is cast in every election.

“Being a Black man, especially in this community right here, I’m coming to vote. As long as I can breathe and wake up, I’m coming to go vote,” Rousseau said.

Aireon Himes, a 45-year-old construction worker in Atlanta, said the statewide races were “not particularly” a focus of his, but that he wanted to exercise his right to vote and “get as many of my side in office as possible.”

“I just kind of voted blue down the line pretty much,” Himes said.

Austyn Young, a 35-year-old business analyst, said she was aware that the average Georgia Power bill in Georgia had increased, but she was primarily voting based on local concerns about “protection for our tree canopy” and wanted to support candidates who support preserving Atlanta’s urban forest. Even with the focus on local issues, she said she “definitely paid special attention” to the PSC election, “especially given the power bills that have been on the rise,” she said.

She said she feels that Democrats, who campaigned on energy affordability, were successful in reaching voters in her community.

“One thing I didn’t realize was that the (current) board is all Republican, and so I think it’s important for both sides to be represented,” Young said. “Hearing about it and hearing that messaging is important, and raising awareness to get the proper representation was really important.”