In a long-awaited electoral showdown, two members of Georgia’s influential Public Service Commission are set to face primary voters after a series of legal challenges and delays. The commission, responsible for regulating utilities such as gas and electric services, has all five commissioners belonging to the Republican party, despite the state’s closely divided partisan landscape.

A legal battle initiated by Black voters in metro Atlanta led to a court ruling in 2022 that deemed Georgia’s at-large system for electing commissioners as diluting Black voting power. However, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals later overturned this decision in 2024, with the US Supreme Court opting not to intervene. As a result, the 2022 and 2024 elections for commission seats were canceled, extending the incumbents’ terms.

In the upcoming primary, Commissioner Tim Echols faces off against Lee Muns, with the winner advancing to compete against Democrat Alicia Johnson in November. Another commissioner, Fitz Johnson, faces no primary opposition, but three Democrats are contending for their party’s nomination in district three. Notably, candidate Daniel Blackman was disqualified due to a residency challenge, impacting the election dynamics.

Despite the low voter turnout so far, the primary presents a crucial opportunity for the electorate to shape the future of Georgia’s Public Service Commission. The outcome of these elections will not only determine the composition of the commission but also have implications for utility regulation and voting rights in the state.