by: Caroline Vakil, The Hill

Posted: Nov 4, 2025 / 09:04 PM CST

Updated: Nov 4, 2025 / 09:05 PM CST

In a significant political shift, Democrats are anticipated to capture two crucial seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission, as revealed by Decision Desk HQ. This development is seen as an important indicator of political trends leading into the 2026 midterm elections.

Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard, representing the Democratic Party, are expected to triumph over Republican incumbents Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson in their respective races for Georgia Public Service commissioner in Districts 2 and 3.

The Tuesday election marks the first time since 2000 that a Democrat has won a Public Service Commission race, according to Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Republicans held all five commissioner seats heading into Tuesday and will still hold a 3-2 majority on the commission with Democrats’ wins. But the election results could be a warning for Republicans heading into the 2026 amid signs of high voter enthusiasm among Democrats.

Republicans were able to stave off a challenge earlier this year in a special election for a Georgia Senate seat after Democrat Debra Shigley forced Republicans into a runoff during the general election for District 21. Republican Jason Dickerson ultimately won the seat in the runoff.

Democrats also had a good night in other states on Tuesday, including in Virginia where the party was projected to win races for governor and lieutenant governor.