Chris Olson

Chris Olson, a Republican, is running in the special primary election for North Dakota Public Service Commissioner on June 9, 2026, seeking a two-year unexpired term. A Baldwin native with experience in coal mines and power plants, he advocates for ratepayers, aiming to ensure the Commission serves residents, not special interests. Olson supports reliable lignite power, demands accountability for utility spending, and seeks to restore local control over hazardous infrastructure like the Summit Carbon pipeline. He also proposes that massive data centers cover their true costs, preventing North Dakotans from subsidizing Silicon Valley's AI ambitions. He qualified for the primary ballot by gathering over 900 signatures after missing the GOP endorsement deadline.