Out-of-state PACs jump into Alabama’s heated Public Service Commission races
Out-of-state groups have taken an interest in Alabama's public service commission races, which have become closely watched this election cycle.
Ethan Parker 
Alabama’s Public Service Commission (PSC) races have entered the spotlight this election cycle as two of the three utility-regulating seats head to the ballot. What was already a high-stakes local contest has now drawn significant attention and financial investment from out-of-state political organizations.
Competitive Primaries and New Legislation
As primaries heat up, campaigns are seeing an influx of cash from energy companies, individual donors, and political action committees (PACs). This heightened interest arrives during a period of intense public scrutiny regarding electricity costs in Alabama. Tensions recently flared following the passage of a bill that adds four seats to the commission and creates a new “Secretary of Energy” cabinet position.
While these new commissioners are set to be appointed by Governor Ivey in July, the two elected seats up for grabs will be decided by voters in November. The restructured seven-member board will eventually represent each of Alabama’s seven congressional districts.
Out-of-State Backing
The Birmingham-based Alabama Energy and Property Patriots PAC, established in January, has funneled roughly 46% of its total haul—$16,500—exclusively to Place 2 candidate Brent Woodall. Records indicate that all of the PAC's funding originates from the Dallas-based Private Property Rights Institute. According to the institute's website, the organization focuses on defending private property rights. Since February, the Institute has contributed $32,500 to the local PAC, plus an additional $10,000 in-kind donation to Woodall's campaign.
Woodall, a former prosecutor and former chief of staff to commissioner Chip Beeker, has shifted his campaign focus to criticizing the new PSC law. “What it does to the PSC is terrible for the people of Alabama,” Woodall told 205focus.com. “It is all now weighted toward the utility companies, not the ratepayers.” Woodall has also secured endorsements from conservative groups like Focus on America and Stand for Health Freedom.
The Influence of American Power Play
Another major player is the Michigan-based group American Power Play, which advocates for expanded energy production. In April, the group contributed $270,000 to a newly formed PAC called “Affordable Alabama.” Additionally, the group provided $210,000 to the Alabama Freedom and Prosperity PAC.
While Affordable Alabama has not donated directly to candidates, it has launched mailers supporting Place 2 candidate Matt Gentry and targeting incumbent commissioner Jeremy Oden. The campaign materials position Gentry as a candidate who will prioritize Alabama families over utility interests. Gentry stated he was unfamiliar with the Affordable Alabama PAC, and organizers behind both PACs did not respond to requests for comment regarding their involvement in the election.
