Republican Eric Barlow Elected Wyoming's 34th Governor

Republican Eric Barlow Elected Wyoming’s 34th Governor

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Gillette Rancher and Former House Speaker Eric Barlow Elected Wyoming’s 34th Governor

Republican state Sen. Eric Barlow will serve as Wyoming’s next governor, securing a decisive victory in Tuesday’s general election, WyoFile reported. The Associated Press called the race at 7 p.m., anchoring a win that places the state on track to welcome another traditional Republican governor with ranching roots. Barlow’s victory margin reached 51.8 points.

Barlow, a 60-year-old Gillette rancher, large-animal veterinarian, and former U.S. Marine, defeated Democratic candidate Ken Casner and Constitution Party candidate Rebecca Bextel. According to Cowboy State Daily, Barlow swept every county by at least 60%, capturing 68.4% of the vote—or 125,427 votes—with 93% counted. Bextel finished with 16.8% (30,710 votes) and Casner pulled in 14.8% (27,136 votes).

“We’re very honored with the trust the Wyoming voters have placed in us,” Barlow told Cowboy State Daily on Tuesday evening. “We’ve traveled 448 days—we did the math—and meeting people and hearing what was on their minds; what they were interested in, concerned about, the opportunities for them and their families and their communities. I think folks responded to that.” He said he’s “made the case all along” to show up.

Barlow Defeats Opponents Despite Heavy Opposition

Barlow’s path to the governor’s office required outlasting intense competition and skepticism from the party’s right wing. In August, he triumphed in a crowded Republican primary over state Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder—who was backed by President Donald Trump—and retired Marine Corps Col. Brent Bien. Despite the Wyoming GOP endorsing Bien and persistent criticism labeling Barlow too moderate, Barlow swept every county in the primary as well.

Eric barlow wins
Photo: cowboystatedaily.com

He also weathered a $1.4 million outside advertising blitz by a Wyoming political action committee that falsely accused him of pushing for higher fuel taxes. Barlow answered the attacks with a humorous campaign video pulling mailers from a mailbox while wearing a veterinary sleeve, reinforcing his authentic local roots.

Financially, Barlow set a new fundraising record for a statewide race in Wyoming, pulling in $2.05 million across his primary and general election cycles, with roughly 75.4% originating from individual contributors. He spent $1.7 million. Degenfelder was the only primary opponent to approach those figures, raising $1.33 million and spending $1.31 million in the primary. Meanwhile, general election opponent Ken Casner reported raising and spending zero dollars, while Bextel entered the race in May explicitly as an insurance policy against Barlow, frequently targeting him during debates over issues like Proposition 1, a proposed residential property tax exemption that Barlow opposed.

Legislative Record and What Comes Next

Barlow brings more than a decade of legislative experience to the executive branch. Elected to House District 3 in 2013, he served as House speaker from 2021 to 2022 before winning election to Senate District 23 in 2022. As a lawmaker, he focused heavily on healthcare policy, chairing the Senate Labor, Health and Social Services Committee and leading the Mental Health and Vulnerable Adult Task Force. In 2023, he championed a mechanism allowing nonviolent felons to restore their firearm and civil rights after completing their sentences.

His gubernatorial campaign centered on protecting public lands, securing education funding, and addressing healthcare access and affordability through initiatives like a proposed “Healthcare Strike Team,” according to MultiState. He also advocated for keeping public lands in public hands and establishing regional governor’s offices to ensure local communities weigh in on state decisions.

Wyoming’s election results remain unofficial until the state canvassing board certifies them next week. Barlow will be sworn into office on Jan. 4, 2027, succeeding outgoing Gov. Mark Gordon, who did not run for reelection.

Republicans Maintain Long History of Gubernatorial Victories

In the reddest state in the country, November is typically treated as a formality. Republicans have held the governor’s office since 2011, following the tenure of the state’s last Democratic governor, Dave Freudenthal, who served from 2003 to 2011. Past gubernatorial election cycles in the state include victories by varying margins, such as Matt Mead elected in 2010 (+42.7) and reelected in 2014 (+32.1), and Mark Gordon elected in 2018 (+39.6) and reelected in 2022 (+58.2).

More on this story: Republican Larry Rhoden Wins South Dakota Gubernatorial Election · Eric Barlow Out-Raises Rebecca Bextel in Wyoming Governor's Race

More on Wyoming: Wyoming Survey Finds High Voter Confidence and Split Trump Approval · Wyoming Business Council board Launches search for interim CEO

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