By: Greg LaRose | Louisiana Illuminator
Elections to decide two seats on Louisiana’s utility regulatory panel were on the ballot for Saturday’s semi-closed party primary, and it will take a runoff before we know who exactly will face off in November’s general election.
The Republican contest in Public Service Commission District 1, which includes the Northshore region and parishes south of Lake Pontchartrain, ended with state Rep. Stephanie Hilferty of New Orleans and former Jefferson Parish President John Young advancing to the June 27 runoff.
State Rep. Mark Wright of Covington placed third in the GOP primary.
Awaiting the Republican winner in the Nov. 3 general election are Connie Norris, a consumer utility advocate from Slidell who was the only Democrat to qualify, and Chris Justin, an engineer from New Orleans who has no party affiliation.
Voters without a party affiliation were allowed to vote in Saturday’s election, when they could choose a Democratic or Republican ballot. They also had the option of a no-party slate without the races in the semi-closed primaries.
For those who picked a party ballot, they have to stick with that choice through the June runoffs but can vote for any candidate in the November election.
The District 1 PSC candidates are running to replace Eric Skrmetta, a Republican from Metairie who has reached his term limit.
Voters in District 5, which covers 24 North Louisiana parishes, know who they have to choose from in November.
Caddo Parish Commissioner John Atkins of Shreveport prevailed in the Republican Party primary Saturday over University of Louisiana at Monroe student Aiden Joyner. He will meet Shreveport City Councilman James Green, who defeated Bossier Parish casino employee Austin Lawson.
The winner will replace Democrat Foster Campbell, who has also reached his term limit and is capping a political career that has spanned more than 50 years.