Casper, WY — On Tuesday, Natrona County voters chose Brian Costello as the Republican nominee for Wyoming House District 37. Costello, a lifelong Wyomingite who teaches and coaches at Natrona County High School, received 1,408 votes, or roughly 53.2% of the total ballots cast.

Primary results

Costello defeated two fellow Republicans, Ross Schriftman and Donna Rice, who earned 843 and 398 votes respectively. The primary fills the seat being vacated by Rep. Steve Harshman, who is now the GOP nominee for Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The Democratic field featured only Betsy Erickson, who garnered 164 votes in the same primary. Erickson works in communications for the reproductive‑health organization WyoUnited and entered the race after feeling unrepresented in the state legislature as a millennial woman.

Candidate platforms

Costello’s campaign emphasizes local control, economic growth, expanded public‑land access and increased housing options for Wyoming families. He argues that decisions affecting Natrona County should be made by local leaders rather than distant bureaucrats.

Erickson’s platform focuses on public‑education reform, land conservation and the protection of personal liberties. She advocates for a revised school‑funding model, smaller class sizes and policies designed to keep young Wyomingites from leaving the state.

Next steps

The independent‑candidate filing period closes on August 24, leaving open the possibility of a third‑party contender in the November general election. Official results will be certified by the Natrona County and Wyoming state canvassing boards in the coming weeks.

Local voters and community groups are encouraged to stay informed about the upcoming general‑election campaign, as both candidates have highlighted issues that directly affect families, schools and the broader economy of Casper and the surrounding Natrona County area.

Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.