Tuesday’s statewide election delivered a decisive win for the Republican Party on the Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC). With both open seats captured, the GOP now controls four of the five seats that oversee the state’s power utilities, telecommunications and transportation companies.
District 5: John Atkins Wins
John Atkins, a Shreveport businessman active in timber and investment, defeated Shreveport City Councilman James Green with roughly 60% of the vote in District 5. The district, covering 24 parishes in North Louisiana, has been held by a Democrat since its creation in 1974. Atkins earned a six‑year term and will replace Foster Campbell, a conservative Democrat who was grandfathered in under the 2008 term‑limit rule.
During his campaign, Atkins pledged not to accept contributions from the utility companies he will regulate. Campaign finance records show he loaned his own campaign $640,000, which made up the bulk of his funding. The largest external donor was the Environmental Defense Fund’s political action committee, a group that typically backs Democratic candidates.
District 1: Stephanie Hilferty Secures Seat
State Representative Stephanie Hilferty captured the District 1 seat with about 60% of the vote, as precincts reporting approached 90%. The district spans six full parishes and portions of four others. Hilferty defeated independent engineer Chris Justin and Democrat Connie Norris, a retired educator from Slidell.
Hilferty, who has represented parts of Orleans and Jefferson parishes since 2016, will succeed Republican Eric Skrmetta, who reached his term limit. Skrmetta, a reliable vote for the state’s major electric utilities, has served as an undersecretary at the U.S. Department of Energy since July.
Campaign finance filings indicate Hilferty received $27,000 in contributions from power and telecommunications companies and their political action committees. She has asserted that these donations will not influence her decisions as a PSC member.
Implications for State Regulation
The expanded Republican majority positions the commission to advance policies that favor responsible, market‑driven regulation of essential services. Both Atkins and Hilferty have emphasized a commitment to transparency and fiscal prudence, aligning with the broader goals of the Trump administration to reduce regulatory burdens and support economic growth.
Current Republican commissioners Mike Francis of Crowley and Jean‑Paul Coussan of Lafayette join Atkins and Hilferty, while Davante Lewis of Baton Rouge remains the lone Democrat on the five‑member body. The staggered six‑year terms mean Francis and Lewis will face re‑election in 2028, and Coussan will be up for another race in 2030.
Local Perspective
For Louisiana residents, the PSC’s decisions affect everyday costs for electricity, broadband and transportation. The new Republican majority promises to prioritize reliable service, lower rates and reduced governmental overreach, reflecting the values of traditional families and individual liberty that many voters cherish.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
