Echols served on Governor Sonny Perdue's office of Children and Families for 5 years. He was treasurer and spokesperson for U.S. representative Paul Broun. In 2009, Echols was campaign manager and senior policy advisor for Republican gubernatorial candidate John Oxendine, who lost the Republican primary to Nathan Deal. In 2010, Echols won against Democratic candidate Keith Moffett in a race to become the Athens-area public service commissioner, after first defeating fellow Republicans Jeff May and Joey Brush in the primary, and then John Douglas in the primary run-off. In December 2016, Echols won re-election to another six-year term as a commissioner. His campaign was focused around a promise to keep electric rates low and support renewable energy development. His second term began on January 1, 2017. In September 2019, Echols filed with Governor Brian Kemp's office for consideration to replace Senator Johnny Isakson. Kemp eventually appointed Kelly Loeffler to the open seat.
Political positions
Echols was the architect of the vote on December 21, 2017 to continue expansion of Vogtle Electric Generating Plant. Echols supports fracking, and has also expressed support for a nuclear power plant located in Georgia, albeit with the caveat that the entire project be privatised.. Additionally, he has expressed opposition to proposed EPA regulations regarding coal usage. During the campaign for office, Echols opposed SB31, a 2008 bill by state lawmakers allowing Georgia Power to collect the finance costs for building a new nuclear power plant from its customers before construction is finished. Additionally, Echols has encouraged the recycling of nuclear waste. Echols has encouraged the completion of the Mixed Oxide Fuel facility at the Savannah River Site near Aiken, SC.
Controversies
In 2011, Echols, used an official Georgia Public Service Commission letterhead to request two tickets to the practice round of the Masters Golf Tournament over 11 months after entries to the ticket lottery were due, which caused accusations that he was using his position for personal gain. Echols claimed that this was due to his desire to spot check limousines and ensure that they were registered in Georgia. Echols eventually conceded that his actions were improper and he should not have requested the tickets. In early 2014, Echols weighed in on the Georgia Right to Life controversy supporting Dan Becker and GRTL's leadership.
Personal life
Echols is married to Windy Davis Echols. They have 7 children.
