Alicia Johnson took her oaths at the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) on Dec. 29 after winning election in November to represent District 2 on the influential board that regulates utilities.

Johnson, a Democrat from Savannah, defeated incumbent Tim Echols and made history in several ways: she is the first Black woman to serve on the PSC, the first female Democrat to serve on the commission, and the first Black woman elected to a (non-judgeship) statewide executive office in Georgia.

Her swearing-in also highlights a major shift for the commission. It marks the first time a Democrat has been elected to the Georgia Public Service Commission in more than two decades, after Johnson and fellow Democrat Peter Hubbard were elected in November. Hubbard unseated incumbent Fitz Johnson in the district covering metro Atlanta, and the two will be the first Democrats to serve on the PSC since 2007.

Both races drew attention amid rising public frustration over multiple electricity rate increases approved for Georgia Power in recent years and the growing affordability concerns facing many Georgians. The campaigns also emphasized transparency, consumer advocacy, and expanded investment in sustainability and renewable energy.

Both Johnson and Hubbard begin their terms on Jan. 1.