![Brad Johnson Announces Public Service Commissioner Candidacy](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2014/01/146075283.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Brad Johnson Announces Public Service Commissioner Candidacy
Former secretary of state Brad Johnson has announced his candidacy for the state Public Service Commission.
Lee Newspapers of Montana reports the East Helena Republican is seeking the seat representing western Montana that is currently held by PSC Chairman Bill Gallagher. Gallagher it not seeking re-election after being diagnosed with cancer.
The five-member PSC regulates utility companies in the state.
Johnson says the job of commissioner is to "strike a careful balance between protecting the interests of Montana ratepayers and maintaining the viability of Montana's utility providers."
Republican Rep. Derek Skees of Whitefish and Democratic Rep. Galen Hollenbaugh of Helena are also candidates.
Johnson served as secretary of state from 2005-2008. He ran for the District 5 PSC seat four years ago, narrowly losing to Gallagher in the primary.
More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM
![Update: Who is Running for the Senate and U.S. House in Montana](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2023/01/attachment-featured-image-2023-01-17T160807.136.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Montana Braces for Record Candidate Turnout in 2024](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2023/01/attachment-featured-image-2023-01-12T152139.735.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Brad Johnson Discusses Election Reform on Talk Back](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2012/10/Brad-Johnson.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Court Victory for Montana Students With Special Needs](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-RS47253_GettyImages-494312894-scr-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Stay Cool Missoula: Tips From Disaster Services Director](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-RS27921_GettyImages-1011404062-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Knife-Wielding Woman Arrested in Missoula After Altercation](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-featured-image-2024-07-15T122519.061.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Montana Gas Prices Continue to Rise, More Increases Are Expected](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/04/attachment-RS48332_GettyImages-178371765-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![UPDATE: Miller Peak Fire Near Missoula Grows to 800 Acres](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-MillerPeakFire-714-EDIT.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Visitors Escape When Car Goes Into Yellowstone Geyser](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2024/07/attachment-53853005819_8c897107f3_h.jpg?w=980&q=75)