BATON ROUGE — State Representative Stephanie Hilferty announced her candidacy for the Louisiana Public Service Commission District 1 on Monday.

Hilferty, a Republican, previously helped reform the New Orleans Sewage and Water Board, increasing oversight and improving transparency by fighting against unfair bill practices.

"In 2026, no one should fear losing power for weeks after a storm," Hilferty wrote in a press release. "Just as I’ve asked the tough questions to expose the failures on the Sewerage and Water Board, I’ll hold the companies the LPSC regulates accountable, too.”

The seat Hilferty aims to claim is currently held by Republican Eric Skrmetta, who is running for the U.S. Senate against Senator Bill Cassidy. 

Skrmetta is among several people challenging Cassidy, including Representative Julia Letlow, who entered the race following an endorsement from President Donald Trump.

Qualifying for the Louisiana Public Service Commission election begins Wednesday.