By Mark Woolsey

Voters from the statewide arena down to Cobb County and its cities sent a distinct message at the polls Tuesday: change is needed, judging by unofficial results.

The Georgia Public Service Commission, which regulates utility rates, will see two new members. Democrat Alicia Johnson rolled up an impressive 977,613 votes while incumbent Republican Tim Echols tallied 580,880 in District 2. In District 3, Democratic challenger Peter Hubbard resoundingly beat incumbent GOPer Fitz Johnson. Hubbard racked up 979,335 votes while Johnson managed just 576, 941

When all was said and done, both Democrats had beaten back the incumbents by a roughly 62 to 38 percent margin.

Analysts speculated that two major factors dominated the race: a rejection of the Republican Party and President Trump, and disgruntlement after the PSC approved six rate increases for Georgia Power in the course of three years or so.

According to its website, the PSC has exclusive power over what are fair and reasonable rates for the services under its jurisdiction.

Hubbard’s campaign themes centered on working to lower power bills and provide clean and reliable energy statewide. Johnson struck the same themes and also argued that the PSC was protecting profits, not people.

At the Cobb County level, voters were also in a feisty mood, and several municipal incumbents were defeated.

A high-profile race for Marietta mayor featured a photo finish. Sam Foster, a 24-year-old IT systems engineer, nearly upended longtime incumbent Steve “Thunder” Tumlin. With all precincts reporting, Tumlin, 78, had scored 6,762 votes while Foster posted 6,675.

The vote broke down to 50.32 percent support for Tumlin and 49.68 percent for Foster.

Tumlin has served four terms as the city’s top elected official, beginning in 2010.

During the campaign, Foster ran on a platform advocating for making the city more affordable and more connected by providing additional walking and biking trails. He also said he would push for fair housing, safer streets and a lessening of traffic issues.

Winners in other Marietta City Council races: Ward 1, incumbent Chryl Richardson, Ward 2, Jason Waters, Ward 3, none of three candidate got mor than 50 percent of the vote so a runoff appears to be ahead, Ward 4, Byron “Tee” Anderson, Ward 5 appears to be bound for a runoff as well

Marietta School Board, Ward 2, Lara Holder, Ward 3, Jeff Collins, Ward 5, incumbent Angela Orange, Ward 6, Christina Rogers.

Contested races in other cities:

Acworth Council Post 4, Kimberly Haase (incumbent Tim Richardson apparently ousted)

Austell, city council  LRG Post I, incumbent Melanie Maria Elder, Ward 3, Shawndra Williams(apparently beating incumbent Meredith Adams)

Kennesaw: Post 3, Jonathon Bothers.

Mableton, District 2, Michael McNeely (topping incumbent Dami Oladapo), District 4, Cassandra Lynn Brown (who bested incumbent Patricia Auch)

Keep in mind that all local race results are unofficial until the Cobb County Board of Elections ratifies them. The PSC vote will be certified at the state level.