Wyoming Governor Race 2026: Barlow vs. Casner

In the reddest state in the country, November is a formality, so the live question is how state Sen. Eric Barlow (R), a former House speaker, would govern. Barlow, a Marine veteran and Gillette veterinarian who chairs the Senate Labor, Health and Social Services Committee, ran on public lands, education funding, and health care access. His general-election pitch adds a "Healthcare Strike Team" early in his term, keeping public lands "in public hands," and regional governor's offices so communities weigh in before decisions are made. He would govern alongside a legislature tilting back toward traditional Republicans: the Wyoming Freedom Caucus lost 13 House incumbents this year and, with about ten reliable votes left, has likely lost the power to block bills in a budget session, when a bill needs a two-thirds vote just to be introduced. Kenneth Casner (D) and Rebecca Bextel (Constitution) are also on the ballot. At the lone televised debate, Bextel aimed nearly every answer at Barlow. The candidates split on Proposition 1, a residential property tax exemption: Barlow opposes the measure, citing local services and the relief the Legislature already passed; Bextel opposes property taxes altogether; and Casner did not take a position.