Meet Randy

Randy Christmann was elected to the North Dakota Public Service Commission in November 2012 and currently serves as the three-member Commission’s chairman. Upon being elected, Randy brought more than 18 years of experience in public service as a State Senator from energy country. 

His contributions to the PSC are further bolstered by his experience as a former board member for the West River Telecommunications Cooperative and as operator of a third generation cattle ranch west of Hazen, North Dakota. This background in agriculture, telecommunications and the energy industry has been an invaluable asset as he carries out the duties of the PSC.

A Strong Record

Randy’s portfolio in the Public Service Commission includes:

  • Business Operations
  • Coal mining, reclamation, and abandoned mine lands
  • Southwest Power Pool (12-state regional electric grid operator)
  • Telecommunications

Before graduating from Hazen High School in 1978 Randy enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard. He also enrolled at North Dakota State University and graduated from there in 1982 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Randy was elected to the North Dakota Senate in 1994 when he upset a long-time incumbent Democrat committee chairman, helping Republicans achieve majority status in the North Dakota Senate. He initially focused mostly on energy, taxation, and natural resources issues.

Former Governor Ed Schafer appointed Randy to serve as one of the two legislative appointees on the Lignite Research Council. He has continued to serve in this position under then-Governor John Hoeven, former Governor Jack Dalrymple, and Governor Doug Burgum and is currently Vice-Chairman of the Lignite Research Council.

 

In 1999 the members of West River Telecommunications elected Randy to serve on its board of directors. During his 13 years on the board, WRT nearly doubled in size, growing into a $100 million company with more than 70 employees. WRT provides telephone and broadband service to part or all of 17 counties in North and South Dakota. West River is also a leader in the development of cellular service in North Dakota as a major partner with Verizon Wireless.

Following the statewide general election in 2000, Senate Republicans chose Randy to serve as their Assistant Majority Leader. He had been re-elected to this post every two years thereafter, making him one of North Dakota’s longest serving legislative leaders in recent memory. He also served on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

His wife Bethanie is an underwriter at Bravera. Randy and Beth live in Bismarck, but continue to spend weekends on the ranch near Hazen.