Dr. Alicia Johnson made Georgia political history after winning election to the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) — becoming the first Black woman elected to a statewide partisan office in Georgia and the first Black woman to serve on the PSC in its more than 100-year history. Her ceremonial swearing-in took place in Atlanta’s PSC chambers on December 29, and she officially assumes her role at the start of 2026. AP News
Johnson, a Democrat and Savannah native with a background in advocacy and community leadership, defeated longtime Republican incumbent Tim Echols in last fall’s special election and won by a wide margin. Her victory — along with fellow Democrat Peter Hubbard — also marks the first time in nearly two decades that Democrats have held seats on the commission, which regulates utilities such as Georgia Power and directly influences electricity rates and energy policy affecting millions of Georgians. AP News
In remarks at her swearing-in, Johnson described the moment as a “historic milestone”, acknowledging both the symbolic significance of her achievement and the responsibility her new role carries. She emphasized her commitment to consumer interests and plans to work across party lines on issues that impact families’ everyday lives, from energy costs to community wellbeing. AP News
Source: Associated Press and local news reporting (Dec. 29, 2025) AP News
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