ATLANTA — An empty podium stood next to Peter Hubbard Wednesday during The Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young Debate Series . The space was saved for Fitz Johnson, the incumbent in the District 3 seat on the public service commission. The commission oversees utilities, including Georgia Power, and can weigh in on potential rate hikes for customers.

Johnson rallied with fellow Republicans in Forsyth County Tuesday night, one week out from early voting for the November election. The Army veteran was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp in 2021.

"We do not want to see California-style energy policy come into the state of Georgia," Johnson said. "We do just fine by ourselves with lowering our rates, keeping them below the national average here in the state."

Meantime, Hubbard was the only p

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