Zeigler joins the Brandon and Christopher Show Podcast to discuss his June 16 primary runoff race

June 16, 2026 – Former State Auditor Jim Zeigler (R) is running in the June 16 Republican primary for Public Service Commission. Zeigler recently joined Brandon Moseley and Christopher Peeks for the Brandon and Christopher Show Podcast.

Zeigler unseated Bull Connor (D) in the 1972 Democratic Primary to be elected to the Public Service Commission the first time. He did not run again in 1980.

"It appears that the PSC went to nothing or next to nothing after I left," Zeigler said. "When I was there the PSC was quite controversial and I fought to keep the PSC bills as low as possible. Unfortunately, both of the PSC commissioners who were elected when I was were indicted, trialed, and convicted of felonies."

"I am not sure what happened to our Public Service Commission after I left would not be considered progress," Zeigler added.

Zeigler received 45% of the vote in the Republican Party Primary on May 19 after qualifying on January 24.

"I qualified to run for this Public Service Commission seat on the last day of qualifying," said Zeigler. "Within a week of my qualifying legislation was introduced to remake the Public Service Commission."

That legislation had three different versions as it moved through the Alabama Legislature. The version that passed and was signed into law was based on a version introduced by Senate Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman).

"They are turning a three members Public Service Commission into seven," explained Zeigler. "In July Governor Ivey will appoint four new Public Service Commissioners."

Zeigler said that he should feel flattered that they think it takes four new commissioners to limit his influence on the commission. There is also an appointed Energy Secretary who will be selected by the next governor as a cabinet position.

"The commission regulates public utilities and common carriers," Zeigler explained. "Uber and Lyft are regulated by the PSC. There is some regulation of pipelines and railroads."

Zeigler said that the biggest thing the PSC does for the bottom two thirds of the state is to regulate The Alabama Power Company.

"That is the thing that most people think about when they think about the Public Service Commission," said Zeigler.

Alabama Power Company has the highest electricity rates in the Southeast and some of the highest rates in the country. The PSC legislation capped power rates at these historically high rates preventing the new Public Service Commissioners from lowering rates for three years.

"They have to some extent legislated the power of the Public Service Commission away," Zeigler said. "The rates are frozen at the present level until January of 2029. Even after that it would take five of the seven Public Service Commissioners to consider holding public rate hearings. The Energy Secretary could add it to the agenda."

Zeigler said that he is working on two different plans to try to reduce power rates.

Zeigler is an attorney. He served eight years as State Auditor from 2017 to 2025.

Zeigler promised that if he is elected PSC commissioner that the public will be notified when data centers and solar farms are being planned.

Zeigler faces incumbent PSC Commissioner Chris Beeker III in the June 16 primary election.

To comment or to ask a question email: brandonmreporter@gmail.com