ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Daniel Blackman, who was disqualified this week from running in this year’s special Public Service Commission (PSC) election, announced Thursday he has filed an appeal.

According to a Tuesday afternoon ruling from Dominic Carparo, a judge on Georgia’s administrative court through its office of state administrative hearings, Blackman was ruled ineligible because he has not been a resident of District 3 for a sufficient amount of time.

District 3 includes Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton counties.

“Our campaign remains firmly committed to making sure every vote counts — and to fighting for reliability, affordability, and transparency for Georgia’s ratepayers," Blackman said Thursday. “As we enter the final phase of this legal process, our resolve has never been stronger. My focus is clear: we will continue to fight to ensure that every voice is heard, and that the people, not special interests, remain at the center of this campaign.”

Tuesday’s ruling came only hours after early voting began in the special PSC election for two seats on the powerful commission, which sets electric and gas rates and regulates the state’s utilities and infrastructure.

Blackman had been endorsed by Georgia Conservation Voters, an environmental advocacy group, which said Thursday it does not plan to endorse another candidate in Blackman’s place.

“We believe it’s important to highlight the broader issue,” the organization said in a Thursday statement. “Under the current system, commissioners are required to live in the district they run for, even though they are elected by voters statewide and make decisions that impact all Georgians.

“As always, we encourage Georgians to exercise their right to vote for the candidate of their choice.”

The primary is set for June 17, 2025, with the general election on November 4, 2025.

Earlier this month, the PSC and Georgia Power announced the power company will not file an expected 2025 rate increase, instead freezing base rates at the current level for at least three years.

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