North Dakota Republicans Endorse Challenger for Public Service Commission

Deven Styczynski to take on incumbent Sheri Haugen-Hoffart in June primary

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:24pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting of an electrical power structure repeated in overlapping, geometric waves of muted blues, grays, and greens, conveying the fractured, high-stakes nature of energy policy decisions.The North Dakota Public Service Commission's role in regulating the state's energy future is a key political battleground.Fargo Today

North Dakota Republican delegates endorsed Deven Styczynski on Saturday for a six-year term on the state's Public Service Commission. Styczynski, a former Wisconsin dairy farmer, will challenge incumbent Republican Sheri Haugen-Hoffart in the June 9 primary. Haugen-Hoffart, who was appointed to the PSC in 2022, is seeking re-election.

Why it matters

The Public Service Commission plays a key role in regulating utilities and energy policy in North Dakota. The endorsement of Styczynski over the incumbent Haugen-Hoffart signals a potential shift in the GOP's priorities for the commission, with Styczynski promising stronger scrutiny of utility rate increases.

The details

During his speech at the NDGOP state convention, Styczynski said he wants to have stronger scrutiny of utility rate increases at the PSC to prevent an undue burden on consumers. Haugen-Hoffart, the current PSC commissioner, has defended the commission's approval of an electricity rate increase for Xcel Energy earlier this year, saying it was the company's first request to raise rates in four years.

  • The Republican delegates endorsed Styczynski on Saturday, March 29, 2026.
  • The June 9, 2026 primary will pit Styczynski against incumbent Haugen-Hoffart.

The players

Deven Styczynski

A former Wisconsin dairy farmer who has made North Dakota his home, Styczynski was endorsed by Republican delegates to run for a six-year term on the state's Public Service Commission.

Sheri Haugen-Hoffart

The incumbent Republican on the Public Service Commission, Haugen-Hoffart was appointed to the position in 2022 and is seeking re-election to a six-year term.

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What they’re saying

“No more insider deals. No more class warfare disguised as policy. Just hard work, straight talk and a Public Service Commission that puts North Dakota families first.”

— Deven Styczynski, Endorsed Republican Candidate for Public Service Commission

“I am committed to continuing the fight for fiscal responsibility, protecting families, and securing our energy future, so North Dakota remains strong for generations to come.”

— Sheri Haugen-Hoffart, Incumbent Republican Public Service Commissioner

What’s next

The June 9, 2026 primary election will determine whether Styczynski or Haugen-Hoffart will serve the six-year term on the North Dakota Public Service Commission.

The takeaway

The endorsement of Styczynski over the incumbent Haugen-Hoffart signals a potential shift in the Republican Party's priorities for the Public Service Commission, with a focus on increased scrutiny of utility rate increases to protect North Dakota consumers.