Republicans Win Two Seats on Louisiana Public Service Commission

Republicans Stephanie Hilferty and John Atkins won two open seats on the Louisiana Public Service Commission during the November 3 general election. Hilferty secured the District 1 seat with approximately 59% of the vote, while Atkins won the District 5 seat. Both candidates defeated Democratic opponents by margins of 20% or more, granting Republicans a two-seat advantage on the commission.

Hilferty, a State Representative, replaces term-limited Republican Eric Skrmetta. Atkins, a Shreveport businessman and Caddo Parish Commissioner, replaces term-limited Democrat Foster Campbell. Hilferty stated her intent to "put ratepayers first, hold utility providers accountable, and demand transparency and reliability from the companies that power Louisiana."

The commission regulates state utilities, including Entergy, and is currently managing a surge in data center buildouts. This includes Meta's Hyperion project, which faces a final vote on November 18. That vote will be the final action for outgoing commissioners Skrmetta and Campbell before the new members are sworn in.