Democrats Winning In Red State?
Democrats are claiming a big win in Georgia this week, boasting that their two surprise victories prove the state is “turning blue.” But seasoned conservatives say not so fast — the numbers tell a different story.
On Tuesday, Democrats flipped two seats on Georgia’s Public Service Commission, their first statewide wins in nearly 20 years. The media quickly called it a “blue wave.” But local insiders say these low-turnout races have little to do with Georgia’s real political future.
Democrats Push “Momentum” Narrative
Democratic Party officials immediately declared the victories proof of new momentum heading into 2026. They pointed to Sen. Jon Ossoff’s reelection campaign and hopes of flipping the governor’s mansion.
“This shows the momentum that we have going into next year,” said Georgia Democratic Chair Charlie Bailey.
But conservatives aren’t buying it. Republican strategists note that the elections were driven by city-level turnout, not a real political shift. Jay Williams, a veteran GOP consultant, said Democrats simply “had more to vote for” in local contests, while most Republicans stayed home.
“Republicans didn’t have a major race on the ballot,” Williams said. “This isn’t a red-to-blue shift — it’s a turnout gap.”
The “Affordability” Talking Point Backfires
Democrats Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard beat longtime Republican commissioners Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson by campaigning on one issue — the cost of living.
They attacked the GOP-controlled Public Service Commission over rising power bills, claiming to “understand the struggle.” But conservative voters see through the spin. Under Joe Biden, families have endured record inflation, higher gas prices, and skyrocketing energy costs.
“Democrats love to talk about affordability,” one Republican strategist noted, “but their own economic policies are what’s driving up the bills.”
Even though Georgia Power agreed earlier this year to freeze base rates between 2026 and 2028, analysts say new fees for fuel and storm damage will still hit consumers hard.
In other words, voters may soon realize the Democrat “solution” isn’t saving them a dime.
Lessons From History: Georgia Has Seen This Before
Political veterans remember this script all too well. Back in the late 1990s, Democrats thought Georgia was theirs forever — until voters revolted.
In 2002, Republicans Sonny Perdue and Saxby Chambliss shocked the establishment by winning both the governor’s office and a U.S. Senate seat. It was the start of Georgia’s conservative resurgence.
“This isn’t 2018,” a senior GOP adviser said. “There’s no anti-Trump wave. What people want now is accountability, lower prices, and secure borders — not more Washington spending.”
Conservatives Sound the Alarm: Time to Deliver
Still, some conservatives admit the GOP must do a better job energizing its base.
Patrick Parsons, former chief of staff to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, said in a viral video that he only heard about the election from a friend.
“You’ve got to deliver on what you promised,” Parsons said. “Voters want real action — they want to see Joe Biden’s mess cleaned up.”
He’s right. Inflation, immigration, and energy policy remain top concerns for Georgia’s 50+ voters — a demographic that overwhelmingly supports Donald Trump’s America-First agenda.
The Real Test: 2026 and Beyond
Democrats may be celebrating now, but the real test comes in 2026. Midterm voters turn out in far greater numbers — and that’s where Republicans dominate.
With Trump leading the charge nationally, and conservative leaders like Brian Kemp and Chris Carr rallying at the state level, Georgia remains a battleground where results, not rhetoric, will win the day.
“If Democrats want to run on affordability,” said one GOP consultant, “they’ll have to explain why everything costs more under their watch.”
Until then, conservatives remain confident that Georgia’s heartland — faith, family, and freedom — will carry the state red once again.
