Democrats are feeling optimistic about their prospects in next year’s Georgia Senate and gubernatorial elections, buoyed by their recent victories in two special elections seen as precursors to the 2026 races.
On Tuesday, Democrats claimed two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission, marking the first time in nearly twenty years that they have secured a statewide constitutional office.
While Republicans downplayed the importance of this victory, suggesting it reflects local voter engagement rather than a broader trend, Democrats see it as a positive indicator for the re-election of Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) and their chances of flipping the governor’s mansion.
“I think this shows momentum going into next year,” remarked Charlie Bailey, chairman of the Georgia Democratic Party, to reporters on Wednesday.
Democratic candidates Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard successfully unseated incumbents Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson, respectively. These low-profile elections, usually viewed as mundane, have drawn attention due to their implications.
The party framed their campaign around rising living costs, an issue also emphasized by the Republican-controlled commission. Georgia Power customers have experienced six rate hikes within a two-year span, which became a central theme during the Democratic campaigns nationwide.
Earlier this year, an agreement was made between the Georgia Public Service Commission and Georgia Power to freeze base rates from 2026 to 2028. However, some critics argue that the approved funds for fuel and storm damages could still lead to increased utility bills.
“None of these public service commissioners happen to be Georgia Power customers,” Johnson pointed out. “I have been a Georgia Power customer for 52 years, so I understand the impact of these rate increases.”
The victorious Democratic candidates believe their wins will energize the party as they prepare to support Ossoff and pursue the governor’s seat next year.
“We feel very bullish,” said Ken Martin, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, in a video call where he discussed the implications of the recent election results for the upcoming key state elections in Georgia.
Democratic strategist Fred Hicks noted that turnout was higher than anticipated in Tuesday’s local elections, attributing much of this increase to the Public Service Commission election. He highlighted that voters are increasingly willing to hold parties accountable on economic issues.
“When you implement policies like that, you have to achieve results,” Hicks commented. “If we fail to do so, voters, regardless of party affiliation, will reconsider their choices.”
Hicks also recounted how past Republican successes in public service commission elections during the 1990s indicated shifts in party fortunes, culminating in significant Democratic losses in 2002. Democratic gains in recent elections, however, raise questions about the party’s future in the state.
The campaign believes that their recent win will enable them to concentrate on affordability issues similar to those tackled by Johnson and Hubbard. Both Democratic candidates for governor, Jason Estevez and Keisha Lance Bottoms, emphasized these concerns in their remarks.
It’s worth noting that comparing voter turnout between off-year and midterm elections can be deceptive, as midterm contests attract more attention.
Republican strategists have dismissed the special election victories as not indicative of the upcoming elections, arguing that Democrats benefited from a lack of Republican competition.
“I personally wouldn’t read too much into it, since Republicans didn’t have substantial contests against it,” remarked Jay Williams, a Republican strategist.
Brian Robinson, another Republican strategist, attributed the results to a challenging environment for the GOP, pointing out that Democrats can win statewide in unfavorable conditions.
Despite this, there is some frustration among Republicans regarding engagement from party members. Patrick Parsons, a former chief of staff to Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, noted that he only learned about the election through a friend.
He stressed the importance of securing victories in Congress to motivate voters to participate in elections.
“We have to fulfill our promises, particularly addressing the issues left unresolved by Joe Biden,” he stated in a video.
Some Democrats are hopeful that 2026 could echo the successes of 2018, when anti-Trump sentiment and healthcare issues propelled them forward, although past gains don’t guarantee future successes.
In 2018, Democrat Stacey Abrams narrowly lost her gubernatorial bid against Republican Brian Kemp. “Since 2020, we have been effective in Georgia, which is key. Are we successfully communicating about personal finances, or are we more focused on national and cultural issues?” Hicks questioned, noting that this distinction could be crucial for electoral success.
