Republican Commissioner Annie Bukacek is facing two challengers in the June 2026 primary for Public Service Commission District 5 — the only PSC race this cycle with an incumbent on the ballot. The outcome matters to Helena-area ratepayers because the PSC sets the rates and rules for NorthWestern Energy, the utility that heats and powers most of western Montana.

Bukacek won her District 5 seat in 2022 and has served one four-year term on the commission, which functions as the state's primary referee between large utilities and the customers who depend on them. The district boundaries were redrawn after that election, shifting which Montana communities fall under the seat's representation.

Two Republican challengers have entered the race, setting up a primary contest that will determine which candidate advances to the general election. Because District 5 has historically leaned Republican, the June primary is likely the decisive race for the seat.

For Helena residents, the PSC's work shows up directly on monthly utility bills. The commission approves or denies rate increase requests from NorthWestern Energy, oversees service quality standards, and weighs in on major infrastructure decisions. Whoever holds this seat for the next four years will be at the table for those decisions. The primary is scheduled for June 2026.