Welborn leading in early results in Public Service Commission District 3 race

In the the Public Service Commission District 3 race, Republican Jeff Welborn was ahead late Tuesday in early results over Democrat Leonard "Lenny" Williams.

They are running for a seat left vacant by James Brown, who is running for state auditor.

As of 10:45 p.m. The Montana Secretary of State's website had Welborn ahead with 70% of the 34,362 votes cast to 30% for Williams.

District 3 spans the southwestern and central parts of the state and includes Bozeman, Butte and Helena.

The five-member PSC regulates the rates and service quality for investor owned electric, natural gas, water, waste-water, and legacy telecommunication companies. The PSC inspects railroads and ensures the integrity of intra-state pipelines.

Welborn is a Dillon resident who said he wants to bring an agricultural perspective to the commission.

Welborn, a former state lawmaker, chaired the Senate Natural Resources Committee, Welborn serves on the Finance and Claims Committee and Highways and Transportation Committee.

Williams, a Butte resident, is an electrician and longtime union organizer. He is serving as the president of the Southwest Montana Central Labor Council. He said he is running to bring public service back to the commission and be the voice of its constituents.

The commission's decision in 2023 to authorize a double-digit increase for NorthWestern Energy's residential electricity customers helped him decide to run, he said.

Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.

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Assistant Editor/Reporter