Georgia PSC Election Faces Legal, Residency Challenges

Early voting has begun for special primaries to fill two seats—40% of the five-member Georgia Public Service Commission, which regulates the state's electric, gas, and telecommunications utilities. A major development is that District 3 candidate Daniel Blackman may be disqualified after an administrative law judge found insufficient evidence of his residency, with Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger set to make the final decision. The election is being held after years of delay from legal battles over the PSC's statewide voting method, which critics say dilutes Black voters' power, though the system was recently upheld by a federal appeals court. The primary is scheduled for June 17, 2025, with the general election on November 4, 2025. Georgia Power has announced a three-year freeze on base electric rates, foregoing an expected 2025 increase. The Georgia NAACP is hosting a nonpartisan candidate forum to inform voters about the candidates and issues.