Louisiana State Rep. Stephanie Hilferty Announces Candidacy for Public Service Commission

Hilferty aims to reform utility oversight and accountability in the state.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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State Representative Stephanie Hilferty, a Republican, has announced her candidacy for the Louisiana Public Service Commission District 1 seat. Hilferty previously helped reform the New Orleans Sewage and Water Board, increasing oversight and improving transparency by fighting against unfair bill practices. She promises to hold utility companies accountable if elected to the LPSC.

Why it matters

The Louisiana Public Service Commission regulates the state's utility companies, including electricity, natural gas, and telecommunications providers. Hilferty's candidacy represents a push for greater utility oversight and consumer protection in Louisiana, especially in the wake of power outages and other service issues following major storms.

The details

Hilferty, who currently serves in the state legislature, said "In 2026, no one should fear losing power for weeks after a storm." She pledged to "hold the companies the LPSC regulates accountable" if elected, similar to her work reforming the New Orleans Sewage and Water Board. The District 1 seat Hilferty is seeking is currently held by Republican Eric Skrmetta, who is running for the U.S. Senate.

  • Hilferty announced her candidacy on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • The election for the Louisiana Public Service Commission District 1 seat will be held later in 2026.

The players

Stephanie Hilferty

A Republican state representative in Louisiana who has announced her candidacy for the Louisiana Public Service Commission District 1 seat.

Eric Skrmetta

The current Republican holder of the Louisiana Public Service Commission District 1 seat, who is running for the U.S. Senate.

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What they’re saying

“In 2026, no one should fear losing power for weeks after a storm. Just as I've asked the tough questions to expose the failures on the Sewerage and Water Board, I'll hold the companies the LPSC regulates accountable, too.”

— Stephanie Hilferty, State Representative (Press Release)

What’s next

The election for the Louisiana Public Service Commission District 1 seat will be held later in 2026.

The takeaway

Hilferty's candidacy represents a push for greater utility oversight and consumer protection in Louisiana, as she pledges to hold utility companies accountable and prevent extended power outages following major storms.