The Republican primaries for the Public Service Commission seats were closely contested on Election Day, with Brad Molnar and Jeff Welborn holding narrow leads in districts 2 and 3, respectively.
In PSC District 2, Brad Molnar narrowly led Kirk Bushman for the Republican nomination with 51% of 19,559 votes cast. Molnar, a former PSC commissioner from Laurel, will face Democrat Susan Bilo in the general election.
In PSC District 3, Jeff Welborn led the Republican race with 39% of early voting totals. Suzzann Nordwick and Rob Elwood were other candidates in the race.
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Incumbent PSC District 4 Commissioner Jennifer Fielder had no opponents in the Republican primary. She may face Independent Elena Evans in the general election.
Elena Evans, a candidate from Missoula, aims to challenge Fielder after the commission approved rate increases during a cold snap in Missoula. She works for the local government and believes her experience will provide a unique perspective to the board.
The Montana Public Service Commission regulates monopolies like NorthWestern Energy and providers of local services. The positions on the commission have no professional requirements, and the annual salary is $115,876.
Despite a ruling that the PSC districts were gerrymandered, the current map will still be used for the 2024 general election due to time constraints.
Missoulian Reporter Griffen Smith contributed to this story.
Reporter Rob Chaney can be reached at 523-5382 or at rchaney@missoulian.com.
