Grassroots Power Flips Georgia’s Statewide Seats for First Time in 20 Years

Asian American Advocacy Fund Reports 66% of Voters Felt More Likely to Vote After Learning About the Public Service Commission 

Nov 6, 2025

For Immediate Release

Media contact: media@asianamericanadvocacyfund.org

ATLANTA, GA — Georgia made history this week as collaboration across the state’s progressive grassroots organizations fueled the election of Dr. Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard to the Public Service Commission (PSC) — marking the first Democratic statewide victories in nearly two decades. 

The Asian American Advocacy Fund (AAAF) led a multilingual, community-driven voter engagement program that reached AAPI and BIPOC voters across Georgia, helping to secure these pivotal wins.

Grassroots organizing drove progressive turnout

Deep canvassing  field data from AAAF shows that 66 percent of voters said they felt more likely to vote after speaking with the organization’s canvassers and learning more about the PSC race, underscoring the power of multilingual, relational organizing to engage and motivate communities that campaigns too often overlook.

AAAF’s data from its PSC voter engagement program demonstrates the power of grassroots connection. Tracking voter sentiment from the beginning to the end of each conversation, AAAF found that 66% of voters said they felt more likely to vote after speaking with an organizer about the PSC races. This underscores how multilingual, relational organizing can drive turnout in statewide contests held in an off-election year that often receive less attention, despite the direct  impact of these on Georgians’ everyday lives.

Across the state, AAAF’s program reached more than 300,000 households digitally and 60,000 voters directly, engaging Georgians in English, Hindi, Mandarin, Korean, and Vietnamese. Organizers and volunteers knocked on 10,518 doors, made 96,274 phone calls, and held 2,412 deep canvass conversations with voters. They also hosted 17 electoral events and town halls, mobilized 120 voters who went on to cast ballots through relational organizing, sent over 8,000 mailers, and generated 3,227,241 total digital impressions through social media, audio, video, and display ads.

AAAF’s voter-contact program reached more than 300,000 households digitally and 60,000 voters directly, engaging Georgians in English, Hindi, Mandarin, Korean, and Vietnamese. Organizers knocked on 10,518 doors, made 96,274 calls, held 2,412 meaningful conversations, and delivered 3.2 million digital impressions — combining deep canvassing, community events, and digital outreach to turn out AAPI and BIPOC voters across the state.

“These victories show what’s possible when we invest in long-term organizing,” said Ashna Khanna, Executive Director of the Asian American Advocacy Fund.
“We’ve spent years building multilingual, trusted relationships with AAPI and BIPOC voters — not just showing up during election season. That groundwork helped drive one of the biggest progressive shifts Georgia has seen in decades.”

On Election Day, AAAF staff joined canvassers in the field. One voter hadn’t realized a local Public Service Commission election was happening. After learning how the PSC affects utility costs and everyday life, they made a plan to vote at their local high school.

“It’s individual moments like that, multiplied across communities, that change outcomes,” Khanna added. “When someone feels seen, informed, and empowered, they don’t just vote once — they become part of a movement.”

Dr. Alicia Johnson, who unseated a 15-year incumbent, became the first Black woman ever elected statewide in Georgia. Peter Hubbard, a clean-energy advocate, has long fought for affordability and environmental justice. Together, their wins mark a generational shift toward leadership that prioritizes people over corporations.

Momentum Across Local Races

AAAF-endorsed candidates also made significant gains across metro Atlanta. Kelsea Bond was elected to the Atlanta City Council, becoming the first Democratic Socialist to serve on the council, running on a platform focused on housing affordability and transit equity. Meanwhile, YT Bell won re-election in Clarkston, continuing her leadership on housing, mental health, and inclusive economic growth.

A Part of a National Movement

Georgia’s results are part of a national wave of community-driven progress — from Zohran Mamdani’s victory in New York to Democratic gains in Virginia and New Jersey. This movement is multigenerational, multiracial, and grounded in the needs of local communities.

By flipping two statewide seats and expanding margins across metro counties, Georgia proved that deep, multilingual engagement wins elections — and that grassroots power is redefining Southern politics.

As the state heads toward a pivotal 2026 election cycle, AAAF plans to expand its year-round organizing infrastructure, building on lessons from 2025 to reach every AAPI and BIPOC voter in Georgia.

About the Asian American Advocacy Fund
The Asian American Advocacy Fund builds political power for AAPI and immigrant communities in Georgia through advocacy, organizing, and electoral work. We mobilize voters, support progressive candidates, and ensure our communities are represented at every level of government. Learn more at asianamericanadvocacyfund.org.