Public Service Commissioner North Dakota in Statewide, North Dakota

2026 Primary Election

• Sheri Haugen-Hoffart — Incumbent Public Service Commissioner in Bismarck, ND

  Sheri Haugen-Hoffart is an incumbent Public Service Commissioner for North Dakota, seeking re-election in the Republican primary on June 9, 2026. Appointed to the commission by Governor Doug Burgum in February 2022, she assumed office to complete a term expiring in January 2027. A native of Rugby, she holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota and a master’s in management from the University of Mary in Bismarck. Haugen-Hoffart brings an extensive background in public service, including roles as deputy state treasurer and a human resource officer for the state tax commissioner. With over a decade of experience overseeing utilities, including chairing the Capital Electric Cooperative board, she is dedicated to serving the public and safeguarding customer interests in the utility sector.

• Scot Kelsh — Candidate for Public Service Commissioner in ND

  Scot Kelsh, a Democratic Party candidate, is currently running in a special election for the North Dakota Public Service Commission, with the Democratic primary scheduled for June 9, 2026. He brings extensive experience in public service to his current campaign, having previously served as a member of the North Dakota House of Representatives. Kelsh represented District 11 in the House from 1996 until he left office in 2014. His candidacy for the Public Service Commission has received an endorsement from the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party.

• Jill Kringstad — Incumbent Public Service Commissioner in Bismarck, ND

  Jill Kringstad serves as a North Dakota Public Service Commissioner, appointed by Governor Kelly Armstrong in January 2025 to complete a term through 2028. A North Dakota native, she holds a Bachelor's in Accounting and has extensive experience in both the private sector as an accountant and internal auditor, and with the PSC, where she served over eight years. Kringstad champions principled, pro-energy, pro-agriculture leadership, advocating for affordable, reliable energy, consumer protection through fair rates, and strong oversight of critical infrastructure. She is committed to supporting reclamation of coal mines and public safety, and is running to continue defending affordable energy and ensuring fair utility practices for North Dakotans.

• Chris Olson — Candidate for Public Service Commissioner in Baldwin, ND

  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.

• John M Pederson — Professor of History and Economics in Mayville, ND

  John M. Pederson, a Professor of History and Economics at Mayville State University since 1998, is campaigning for the North Dakota Public Service Commission in the 2026 election. Running on the Democratic Party ticket, he will participate in the Democratic primary scheduled for June 9, 2026. He has been endorsed by the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party for this position.

• Deven Styczynski — Candidate for Public Service Commissioner in Enderlin, ND

  Deven Styczynski, a Republican, is seeking a six-year term on the North Dakota Public Service Commission in 2026, challenging incumbent Sheri Haugen-Hoffart in the primary. Endorsed by the North Dakota Republican Party, Styczynski emphasizes his qualifications from a soil science degree from North Dakota State University and hands-on experience in agriculture, land management, and regulatory compliance. His professional background includes soil surveying, crop research, and risk assessments. He focuses on utility costs, landowner rights, and data center concerns, advocating against taxpayer subsidies for private industry infrastructure.