For Immediate Release
September 08, 2026
Contact: Nick Abraham, nabraham@lcv.org, 206-833-7021
New Poll: Races for Georgia Public Service Commission in a “dead heat”
Majority of Georgia voters raise serious concerns after hearing about GOP candidates’ rate votes and coziness with data center industry, giving clear electoral path
ATLANTA, GA — A new statewide poll released today shows Democratic Public Service Commission (PSC) candidates Peter Hubbard and Shelia Edwards in a dead heat with their Republican opponents, Fitz Johnson and Josh Tolbert, in the earliest stages of the 2026 campaign. Polling also shows Hubbard and Edwards pulling ahead once voters learn more about the candidates and the Republican-controlled PSC’s record on utility rates and data centers.
The survey of 800 likely voters, conducted by GBAO in mid-August, found Hubbard leading Johnson 44% to 43% and Edwards leading Tolbert 45% to 43% in a head-to-head test. After voters heard basic biographical information about the candidates, both Democrats opened larger leads: Hubbard moved to 51% to 42% over Johnson, and Edwards moved to 51% to 42% over Tolbert.
The poll also found significant voter concern about the Republican-controlled Commission’s handling of utility costs and the rapid expansion of data centers. Six in ten voters expressed serious concerns after hearing information about the commissioners’ record on data center costs and accountability.
Those findings mirror what voters say is driving their vote. Asked which issue matters most to their vote for Public Service Commission, voters’ top concern was lowering utility bills, followed by stopping the expansion of data centers.
“Georgia voters are sending a clear message: they are tired of rising utility bills, and they do not want families footing the bill for the massive expansion of data centers,” said Brionté McCorkle, Executive Director of Georgia Conservation Voters Action Fund. “For years, the Republican-controlled Public Service Commission has consistently sided with the power company while Georgians have watched their bills climb. This race gives Georgians a chance to elect commissioners who will put people first and hold powerful utilities and data center companies accountable.”
The five-member Public Service Commission regulates electricity, natural gas, and telecommunications utilities in Georgia. The Republican controlled Commission has approved multiple rate increases from Georgia Power in recent years amid rising costs tied in part to overruns at Plant Vogtle and growing electricity demand from data centers. In 2025, two Democrats were elected to the PSC for the first time in 25 years making this year’s elections the first chance to flip control in decades.
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About the Poll
GBAO surveyed 800 likely voters statewide in Georgia from August 11–16, 2026. The survey was conducted via landline, cell phone, and text-to-web. The margin of error is ±3.5 percentage points. View Poll Memo