Gov. Brian Kemp taps Fitz Johnson for Public Service Commission

Fitz Johnson was tapped by Gov. Brian Kemp this week to fill a vacant seat on the Public Service Commission. Johnson becomes the first Black Republican to serve on a five-member panel that has a financial impact on millions of Georgians. The commission oversees utility and energy issues and decides what Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light can charge consumers and businesses.

After he named Commissioner Chuck Eaton to an open spot on the Fulton County Superior Court, Kemp swiftly appointed Johnson, a fellow Republican, to the statewide seat. Johnson is the first Black member to serve on the commission since Democrat David Burgess lost to Eaton in 2006.

A U.S. Army veteran and retired businessman, Johnson ran for Cobb County Commission last year and state school superintendent in 2014. He was unsuccessful in both efforts. Johnson is a graduate of the Citadel and a previous owner of the Atlanta Beat women’s soccer team.

His professional background is what caught Kemp’s attention, saying he was drawn to Johnson because of his “remarkable record of service to our nation, experience as a private sector business leader, and dedication to his community. With his diverse background and real-world leadership credentials, I know Fitz will work hard every day to ensure Georgia remains the top state for business and the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Members of the PSC are paid a little over $121,000 a year. According to state campaign disclosure reports, Johnson contributed $2,500 to Kemp’s re-election campaign.

Johnson, who recently moved from Cobb County to Fulton County, will represent the 3rd District, which spans Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton and Rockdale counties.

He will be up for election in November 2022 to fill out the remaining two years of Eaton’s unexpired term. If successful, he will have to run again in 2024 for a full six-year term.

We can expect Democratic candidates to line up to take on Johnson after last year’s successful run at the ballot box.

Former PSC Commissioner Eaton is replacing Judge Shawn LaGrua, who Kemp elevated to the State Supreme Court.