Scot Kelsh

Background

Kelsh is a retired firefighter and architect, and a former state representative who served District 11 in the North Dakota House from 1996 to 2014. He is from Fargo and has four children.

Sources: North Dakota Living, Election 2026: The statewide candidates

What the candidate has said

Statements are attributed to the linked sources.

• Local input

  Kelsh supports industrial and energy development but says it should proceed openly, with local governments and other stakeholders involved early and rural residents given a voice. He also supports eliminating nondisclosure agreements between large industrial developers and local governments.

  North Dakota Living, Election 2026: The statewide candidates

• Energy affordability

  Kelsh says his campaign is focused on transparent government, affordable energy and PSC decisions that put North Dakota families first.

  Scot Kelsh for Public Service Commissioner

• Data-center costs

  In the 2026 debate, Kelsh argued that the state should ensure data-center growth does not shift electricity costs onto existing ratepayers and said grid and generation capacity must be considered as large loads are proposed.

  InForum, Plain Talk: Public Service Commission debate between Jill Kringstad and Scot Kelsh