Democrats win key Georgia special elections seen as midterm bellwethers

Democrats have flipped two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission in what were seen as a key bellwether ahead of the 2026 midterms, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Democratic candidates Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard, who ran for Georgia Public Service commissioner in Districts 2 and 3, respectively, have defeated GOP incumbents Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson. 

The Tuesday election marks the first time since 2000 that a Democrat has won a Public Service Commission race, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin lauded the Democratic wins in a statement, saying "Johnson and Hubbard won tonight’s Georgia Public Service Commissioner race by focusing on the issue that matters most to Georgians: lowering costs."

"This victory is a direct response to Trump’s cost-raising agenda that is squeezing pocketbooks in Georgia and across the country," he added.

Republicans held all five commissioner seats heading into Tuesday and will still hold a 3-2 majority on the commission with the Democrats’ wins. But the election results could be a warning for Republicans heading into the 2026 midterms amid signs of high voter enthusiasm among Democrats.

Republicans were able to stave off a challenge earlier this year in a special election for a Georgia Senate seat after Democrat Debra Shigley forced Republicans into a runoff during the general election for District 21. Republican Jason Dickerson ultimately won the seat in the runoff.

Democrats also had a good night in other states on Tuesday, including in Virginia, where the party won races for governor and lieutenant governor.