Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

A proposal to claw back funds for public media has already passed the House of Representatives. Montana Public Radio and stations across the country receive critical federal funds to strengthen our work. The Senate could vote on the proposal in the coming days. To add your voice in support of Montana Public Radio visit Protect My Public Media.
Montana politics, elections and legislative news

Six candidates join the race for Public Service Commission in district 5

The map of Montana's Public Service Commission districts created by federal judges, March 8, 2022.
The map of Montana's Public Service Commission districts created by federal judges, March 8, 2022.

The race for the fifth seat on Montana’s utility regulatory and oversight board is a crowded one.

Four Republicans and two Democrats are running to replace current Public Service Commission district five Commissioner and Vice President Brad Johnson, who is a Republican. The district represents counties near the Continental Divide in northwest Montana. It’s one of two district seats on the ballot this year.

The Republicans running for the seat include Annie Bukacek, Dean Crabb, Joe Dooling and Derek Skees. Democrats Kevin Hamm and John Repke also filed.

Hamm has raised the most money for his campaign with about $14,000. Bukacek has brought in the most money of any Republican by way of a $10,000 loan to herself from her Kalispell-based medical practice.

Aaron joined the MTPR team in 2019. He reports on all things in northwest Montana and statewide health care.

aaron@mtpr.org or call/text at 612-799-1269
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information