PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Incumbent republican Public Utilities Commissioner Chris Nelson was easily re-elected to another six-year term with a sixty nine to thirty one percent margin over democrat Jeff Barth.

Nelson says he spent a lot time on the road.

Nelson says he had to explain to many voters how the PUC operates.

Barth had made opposition to proposed carbon dioxide pipelines the center of his campaign. Nelson says commissioners have to hear case details before they make decisions.

Nelson was appointed to the commission in 2011, then won re-election in 2012, 2016 and again this month.