Shelia Edwards, a Cobb County community advocate and business owner, won the Georgia Public Service Commission District 5 seat Nov. 3, positioning Democrats to take majority control in 2027.

Edwards defeated Republican Josh Tolbert with approximately 55% of the vote, according to unofficial results reported by the Georgia Recorder. Democratic incumbent Peter Hubbard won reelection in District 3 with approximately 56%.

The victories will give Democrats three of the commission’s five seats when Edwards takes office. Commissioners must live in their respective districts but are elected statewide.

What the commission controls

The PSC regulates Georgia Power, including the rates its customers pay and the utility’s investments in power generation and other infrastructure.

Edwards and Hubbard will serve alongside Democratic District 2 Commissioner Alicia Johnson. Johnson and Hubbard defeated Republican incumbents in special elections in 2025.

The incoming majority will be the commission’s first Democratic majority since 1995, according to PSC information officer Tom Krause, as reported by the Ledger-Enquirer.

Utility bills drove the campaign

Edwards campaigned on greater scrutiny of Georgia Power spending, lower household bills and stronger consumer protections.

She previously served as interim executive director of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus and has worked in public affairs and communications, according to her Ballotpedia biography.

At an Atlanta Press Club debate, she said a Democratic majority could make the PSC more focused on consumers, the Recorder reported.

Earlier commission decisions approving six rate increases added an estimated $43 a month to average residential bills, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The commission subsequently froze base rates through 2028 and approved a separate bill reduction beginning in summer 2026.

Data centers remain a major issue

Rapid growth in data centers has increased scrutiny of Georgia Power’s expansion plans and who will pay for the infrastructure needed to serve large electricity users.

The PSC does not decide whether data centers locate in Georgia, but it approves utility investments and cost-recovery arrangements. Edwards and Hubbard have called for holding those customers accountable for the costs associated with their demand.

Tolbert, a licensed professional engineer with a doctorate in mechanical engineering, emphasized technical expertise and affordability during his campaign. After the election, he congratulated Edwards and thanked his supporters, the Recorder reported.

The election results remain unofficial pending certification.