Jeff Pattison Candidate for Montana Public Service Commission

Four candidates so far have filed to run for the Montana Public Service Commission, and all are Republican.

Two seats are up for grabs, in Districts No. 1 and No 5.

District No. 1 is a huge but uneven swath of eastern Montana, and District No. 5 is an area in northwest Montana.

In District No. 5, Commissioner Annie Bukacek, also a medical doctor, will try to hold off challenger David Sanders. Bukacek is serving in her first PSC term.

Sanders previously served as the executive director for the Public Service Commission and works for the State Auditor’s Office.

In District No. 1, Commissioner Randy Pinocci is departing to run for the Montana Legislature, and Sen. Jeremy Trebas of Great Falls and Jeff Pattison of Glasgow will fight for the post.

Trebas, an accountant who owns Trebas Tax and Accounting, has served in the state House in 2017-18 and 2021-22 and in the Senate since 2023.

Pattison is the owner of Pattison Land and Livestock, according to his LinkedIn profile. Pattison also served in the House in 2001 and 2003.

The Public Service Commission regulates monopoly utilities in the state, including NorthWestern Energy. Its decisions affect people’s power bills, garbage service, and in some cases, ability to water lawns.

In August 2025, NorthWestern announced plans to merge with Black Hills Corp, and the potential $15.4 billion enterprise will be before the PSC in the coming months.

Commissioners are elected by district, and currently, all five are Republican. They earn a salary of $128,253.

A spokesperson for the Montana Democratic Party said Tuesday the party is actively recruiting candidates to run.

In at least the last 12 months, the PSC has been marked by infighting, including allegations of misconduct, a presidential demotion and changeover, a complaint to Gov. Greg Gianforte, and accusations of questionable financial management.

To support an independent candidate in 2024, a committee funded largely by a dark money group raised nearly $500,000, which was an anomalous amount for a PSC race.

A political analyst told the Daily Montanan the big spend was a sign of some dissatisfaction with the commission’s lack of interest in a more sustainable energy future.

However, independent Elena Evans lost to incumbent Republican and current PSC Vice President Jennifer Fielder despite that cash infusion.

Candidates have until March 4 to file for office.