One Republican, one Democrat ahead in Public Service Commissioner races
Nov 04, 2026 | 1:08 am ET
Description
(Screenshot from a PSC social media page.)
Democrat Kevin Hamm was ahead of Republican incumbent Annie Bukacek around 11 p.m. Tuesday in the race to serve on Montana’s Public Service Commission.
Most districts had not yet fully reported.
Hamm had 51% of the vote in district No. 5, which covers a chunk of northwest Montana. Bukacek had 49%.
In district No. 1, a wide swath of eastern Montana, Republican Jeff Pattison appeared to be cruising to victory with 65% of the vote compared to 35% for Democrat Angeline Cheek.
The winner in district No. 1 will step into Commissioner Randy Pinocci’s seat.
The Public Service Commission regulates monopoly utilities in Montana and is made up of five elected commissioners, all currently Republican.
It is dealing with data centers and is slated to vote next week on a controversial $15.4 billion merger between NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Corp.
Helena, MT
