Disqualified: Georgia Democrat Barred from Public Service Commission Ballot
Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has officially removed Democratic candidate Daniel Blackman from the 2024 Public Service Commission (PSC) election. The move comes after a state judge determined that Blackman failed to meet the residency requirements to run for the District 3 seat.
Blackman’s disqualification comes at a critical moment, as early voting for the June 17 primary is already underway. Voters arriving at polling stations in the affected areas will now see signage notifying them that votes cast for Blackman will not be counted.
District 3 covers several key metro Atlanta counties: Clayton, DeKalb, and Fulton. According to Georgia law, candidates seeking PSC seats must have lived in the district for at least 12 months prior to the general election. In this case, that means residency must have been established by November 4, 2023.
However, a recent ruling by Judge Dominic Capraro of Georgia’s Office of State Administrative Hearings found credible evidence that Blackman resided outside District 3, in Forsyth County—making him ineligible to run.
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Legal Challenge Ends Blackman’s Bid as Democrats Eye November Showdown
Despite being removed from the ballot, Blackman issued a public statement redirecting voters’ attention to the remaining Democratic candidates: Peter Hubbard, Robert Jones, and Keisha Sean Waites. These three will now compete in the June 17 Democratic primary to face Republican incumbent Fitz Johnson in the general election this November.
Fitz Johnson, who was appointed in 2021 and has since earned a reputation for supporting Georgia’s long-term energy infrastructure strategy, now faces a clearer path forward. The disqualification of Blackman—who previously ran for the same seat in 2020—removes a potentially well-known name from the field.
Meanwhile, District 2 is also on the ballot this cycle. Republican Tim Echols, a veteran voice on the commission and a strong advocate for nuclear energy expansion and consumer protection, is being challenged in the GOP primary by Lee Muns. On the Democratic side, Alicia Johnson is running unopposed and will meet the winner in November.
Public Service Commission Races Resume After Legal Delays
The 2024 PSC elections are significant, not just because of the candidates, but because they mark the first time in years that Georgians are voting for commissioners after a series of legal delays. Past lawsuits challenged the method of electing PSC members—who must reside in a district but are elected statewide—arguing the process diluted the voting power of certain demographic groups.
Despite those legal battles, all five current Public Service Commissioners remain Republicans, a testament to Georgia voters’ consistent preference for conservative oversight when it comes to energy policy, regulation, and economic development.
With early voting continuing through June 13, and primary day set for June 17, voters should double-check their polling locations—especially since advance voting sites often differ from Election Day locations.
As Georgia continues to grow and its energy demands evolve, the importance of experienced and principled leadership on the PSC cannot be overstated. These commissioners make decisions that impact electric rates, utility infrastructure, and the future of energy in the state.
Cobb conservatives, don’t let this election rewrite Georgia’s energy future. Show up on June 17 and again on November 4. Vote for candidates who’ll protect your wallet, your energy, and your values.
