Editor’s note: Story updated with Associated Press call of the race.
Shelia Edwards, a veteran of Atlanta government and politics, has won the three-way race to secure the Democratic nomination for the District 3 Public Service Commission (PSC) seat.
With nearly 97% of ballots counted, Edwards led with about 55% of the vote. Chandra Farley, an energy activist and consultant, was in second with about 31% of the vote, while small business owner Missy Moore sat in third with about 15%.
The Associated Press called the race for Edwards about 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
By earning a majority of the votes cast, Edwards will also avoid a runoff. She’ll face incumbent Fitz Johnson, a Republican, in the general election this fall. Johnson was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp last year to replace former PSC Commissioner Chuck Eaton, who Governor Brian Kemp tabbed for a post on the Atlanta Judicial Circuit.
Though less well-known than other state regulatory bodies, the PSC and its five members play a major role in deciding where much of our electricity comes from and how much customers pay for it. The commission is also tasked with regulating Georgia Power, the state’s largest electric utility, which provides electricity to 2.7 million customers.
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