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BISMARCK — Both incumbents on the North Dakota Public Service Commission enjoyed overwhelming leads late Tuesday, Nov. 8, with all precincts reporting.
As of 9:39 p.m. MST, incumbent Julie Fedorchak, R-Bismarck (84.2%), was leading Melanie Moniz, D-Halliday (15.6%), in the first seat race; while Sheri Haugen-Hoffart, R-Bismarck (83.9%), led her opponent, Trygve Hammer, D-Velva (16.0%).
Haugen-Hoffart will serve the remaining four years of the unexpired term left by Brian Kroshus’ former seat, and will be up for reelection in 2026.
Fedorchak, the current chairperson of the three-member panel, has been a member of the commission for nearly a decade. Once confirmed, a victory would secure her seat for an additional six-year term, through 2028.
On Tuesday night, Haugen-Hoffart told Forum Communications that it appears she has won her seat and will keep her promise to the state to be an advocate for consumers and the North Dakota environment.
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“I am so grateful to all our supporters who had the confidence to vote for me. Going forward, we have a lot of work to do in North Dakota, and I'm anxious to get in and to serve all the constituents of North Dakota,” she said. “I would like to thank my opponent, and I look forward to serving. I'm proud to be a lifelong resident of North Dakota and to serve this great state.”
Fedorchak, Moniz and Hammer could not be reached for comment.
The three members of the PSC are directly responsible for regulating electric and gas utilities, permitting energy projects, coal mine reclamation, telecommunications, railroads, auctions, weighing and measuring devices, gas pipeline safety, and underground damage prevention. The position carries an annual salary of $117,600.
