Wyoming Republicans Nominate Barlow for Governor in Deep-Red State

Eric Barlow, a former Wyoming House Speaker and current state senator, secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination Tuesday, emerging from a competitive four-person primary contest. His selection virtually guarantees his election as the next governor of Wyoming, a state where Republicans control every statewide office and dominate electoral politics.

Barlow will assume the post vacated by Mark Gordon, who declined to pursue a third term despite Wyoming law permitting two-term limits. Gordon’s decision to step aside opened the race for November’s general election, where Barlow will face Democrat Kenneth Casner.

Trump-backed State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder finished second in Tuesday’s balloting with roughly 26 percent of votes tallied, while Marine Corps Colonel Brent Bien placed third. Professional bull rider Curt Blake received fewer than 1,000 votes in the four-candidate field.

Degenfelder and Barlow operated on comparable budgets heading into the primary, having raised approximately $1.3 million and $1.2 million respectively, according to campaign finance disclosures reviewed by The Associated Press. Bien reported $192,000 in fundraising, while Blake reported no contributions.

Wyoming faces significant turnover across its statewide offices this cycle, with open contests scheduled for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, secretary of state and superintendent of public instruction alongside the gubernatorial race.