Skrmetta won the race for Public Service Commissioner in a November 4, 2008 runoff after two other candidates (Bruce Kincade and Ken Odinet Sr.) were eliminated in the primary election. His runoff opponent was former Public Service Commissioner John F. Schwegmann, who had no party affiliation.[5] Skrmetta had the support of then-incumbent District 1 commissioner Jay Blossman, who was barred by term limits from seeking reelection.[6] Skrmetta assumed his commissionership office on January 1, 2009 for a term that ended on December 31, 2014.
Public Service Commissioner
As Public Service Commissioner, Skrmetta has sought clarification of Louisiana’s ethics regulations, which have tightened since the state’s populistic past. In particular, he has sought to displace meal reimbursements to commissioners from regulated utility companies with reimbursements by the Public Service Commission itself.[7]
2026 US Senate campaign
In July 2025, Skrmetta announced he would challenge Bill Cassidy for his seat in the United States Senate. He withdrew his campaign in February 2026.[8]
Personal life
Eric Skrmetta has two children. Skrmetta is involved in various religious and community organizations. He lives in Metairie, Louisiana[9]
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