Two Republicans ahead in Public Service Commissioner races

Republican incumbent Annie Bukacek had pulled ahead of Democrat Kevin Hamm by 12:30 a.m. Wednesday in the race to serve on Montana’s Public Service Commission.

Bukacek had 51% of the vote in district No. 5, which covers a chunk of northwest Montana. Hamm had 49%.

Most but not all precincts had fully reported, but the race had been tight all night, and the candidates were separated by 851 votes.

Bukacek had 37,255, and Hamm had 36,404.

In district No. 1, a wide swath of eastern Montana, Republican Jeff Pattison’s early lead held early Wednesday with 66% of the vote compared to 34% 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.