Embedded Files
Deven Styczynski
Deven Styczynski, an Enderlin resident and working family man with roots in Wisconsin dairy farming, announced his candidacy for North Dakota Public Service Commissioner in the 2026 election. Styczynski said he is running to restore the Public Service Commission (PSC) as an independent watchdog for ratepayers, landowners, and everyday North Dakotans.
“I moved to North Dakota because of its values—hard work, honesty, and respect for neighbors,” Styczynski said. “But too many families are being squeezed by rising utility bills while insider influence appears to dominate the process. The PSC should serve the public interest, not the well-connected. I’m running to change that.”
Invoking Theodore Roosevelt’s “Square Deal,” Styczynski outlined three core priorities for the commission: A Square Deal for ratepayers.
Styczynski said utility rates must be based on verified costs, not negotiated compromises that still result in significant increases. While PSC officials often cite moderation of rate requests, the commission has not denied a major rate increase in more than 25 years. In a recent Xcel Energy electric case, an initial request of more than 19 percent was ultimately approved at approximately 10 percent overall, including a 12.9 percent increase for residential customers.
“Families feel those increases every month,” Styczynski said. “State law, including NDCC 49-02-02, already gives the PSC authority to demand rigorous audits and fully scrutinize utility filings. I will use those tools aggressively and stop accepting filings at face value.”
A Square Deal for landowners.
Styczynski pledged strict adherence to siting and routing laws, including NDCC 49-22, to minimize property takings and ensure decisions are not made before the public has a meaningful opportunity to be heard.
“No more back-room routing games,” he said. “Property rights deserve real respect, and no project should move forward without clear proof of public need and lawful justification.”
A Square Deal for every citizen.
Styczynski emphasized transparency and accountability, including widely noticed, live-streamed hearings; prompt online posting of financial disclosures; and enforcement of penalties when utilities or developers provide misleading information, as required under state law.
“Trust is earned through openness and enforcement, not assumed,” he said.
Styczynski also committed to strict ethical standards, pledging never to vote on any matter that could result in personal or family financial gain and to advocate for clearer and stronger recusal and conflict-of-interest rules for the commission.
As a resident of Enderlin, Styczynski works full time, raises his family, and pays the same utility bills as his neighbors. He said his campaign is focused on putting ratepayers, farmers, landowners, workers, and small-town families first.
“I’m asking for support in November 2026—not just for my campaign, but for every North Dakotan who believes state government should still do things the right way,” Styczynski said.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse