Alabama Public Service Commission faces shakeup with Tuesday’s Republican runoff

Alabama voters are poised to shake up the Public Service Commission this week as the Republican primary runoff takes center stage.

The Battle for Place 2

Incumbent Chris Beeker is facing off against challenger Jim Zeigler in Tuesday's runoff election for the Place 2 nomination. Both candidates emerged from a crowded primary field back in May. The winner of this contest is set to face Sheila McNeil, the Madison County Democratic Party chair, in the general election this November.

Beeker, who resides in Tuscaloosa, has held the seat since 2024 following his appointment to replace his father, Chip Beeker. This cycle marks his first time running for the position. Emphasizing his background in rural advocacy, Beeker told 205focus.com, “I’m running for Public Service Commissioner to protect Alabama’s way of life. Alabama needs conservative leadership that will lower energy costs, protect our energy independence, and put working families first.”

However, Zeigler enters the runoff with momentum after leading Beeker in the primary, capturing nearly 45% of the vote compared to Beeker's 25%. Reflecting on the campaign, Zeigler told 205focus.com, “I am grateful to voters, supporters, and donors. They made this lead possible. With a low turnout expected in the June 16 runoff, it is important that I give Alabama voters a compelling reason to go vote.”

Zeigler brings significant experience to the table, having previously served as a public service commissioner in the 1970s and as the state auditor.

A Changing Commission

Campaign finance records from the Alabama Secretary of State indicate significant spending, with Beeker reporting over $339,000 in fundraising between May and June, while Zeigler reported $130,500. Should Beeker fall on Tuesday, he would be the second incumbent commissioner to lose this cycle; in May, Commissioner Jeremy Oden was defeated by Matt Gentry.

These potential losses arrive alongside a massive restructuring of the PSC. Following the resignation of former President Twinkle Cavanaugh and the state legislature’s recent reform bill, the commission is set to expand from three members to seven. Governor Kay Ivey is scheduled to appoint four new commissioners in July.

The reform comes amidst public frustration over rising utility bills for the state's 1.5 million Alabama Power customers. While the initial legislative proposal aimed to force formal rate case hearings, the final version passed by the Senate requires a majority of five out of seven commissioners to agree to such proceedings. Rep. Mack Butler, the original sponsor, eventually voted against the bill in March.

Legal challenges remain in the mix as well. Sheila McNeil has filed a lawsuit arguing the mid-campaign structural changes are improper, a case currently pending in federal court.