My commitment to community service did not begin yesterday. It began when I was a child growing up in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. As one of nine children, my family did not have much, but what we lacked in material possessions, we made up for in faith, determination, and a commitment to helping others.
My journey of service began in a Baptist church, where I served on the usher board. Many of the children around me came from families of teachers, librarians, and other professionals. Even at that young age, I recognized the social and economic differences that sometimes divided our communities. But I never allowed those differences&mdash;or anyone's doubts about my place or purpose&mdash;to discourage me.
I learned early that service requires more than simply showing up. It requires conviction, courage, and a willingness to stand firm, even when you must stand alone.
That lesson has guided me throughout my life. I did not suddenly discover public service when I decided to run for office. Service was instilled in me as a child, and it has remained the foundation of who I am.
In 2022, I earned the Democratic nomination for the Georgia Public Service Commission, defeating two opponents. Although that election was ultimately removed from the ballot because of a court challenge, my commitment to the people of Georgia never wavered.
I did not walk away. I did not stop advocating. And I did not stop showing up. I continued speaking out about the decisions made by the Public Service Commission and their impact on hardworking Georgians&mdash;from rising utility bills and the lack of consumer protections to the rapid expansion of data centers and the disproportionate burdens placed on marginalized communities.
I kept standing up for you, even when my name was no longer on the ballot.
Now, as we approach the 2026 general election, voters will hear plenty of political rhetoric. Some will claim they are the only candidate who can win. Others will point to academic credentials or professional titles as proof that they are qualified to serve.
But I believe Georgians deserve more than promises, titles, and political talking points.
Leadership is not simply about what you say you can do. It is about what you have already done, whom you have served, and whether you have the courage to stand up for people when it matters most.
My record of service did not begin with this campaign, and it will not end with an election. I bring a lifetime of community advocacy, corporate and government experience, and a deep understanding of the challenges facing Georgia families. I understand that the Public Service Commission is not simply about engineering and energy infrastructure. It is about people. It is about whether seniors can afford to keep their homes warm in winter, whether working families can afford their electricity bills, and whether powerful utility companies are held accountable to the customers they serve.
As your next Public Service Commissioner, I will fight for affordability, accountability, transparency, stronger consumer protections, and an energy future that puts people before profits.
I will bring the same determination to the Commission that I demonstrated as a little girl standing proudly on the usher board of my childhood church.
I knew then that service was my calling. I know now that standing up for others is my responsibility.
I have never needed a political title to serve my community. And I have never needed permission to stand up for what is right.
That is who I was as a child. That is who I am today. And that is the kind of Public Service Commissioner I will be.
On November 3, I am asking you to stand with me, just as I have continued standing up for you.
Shelia Edwards Democratic Nominee, Georgia Public Service Commission &mdash; District 5 Shelia4psc.com
People Before Profits. Accountability &bull; Affordability &bull; Transparency

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