Casper, WY — Wyoming voters have chosen Republican State Senator Eric Barlow to succeed term‑limited Governor Mark Gordon in January 2027. Barlow, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and practicing veterinarian from Gillette, earned the GOP nod after a competitive primary that saw him defeat Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder, Brent Bien and Curt Blake.
Primary Victory and Opponents
The Associated Press called the race at 7 p.m., reporting that Barlow faced Democrat Kenneth Casner and Constitution Party candidate Rebecca Bextel in the general election. While official vote totals remain pending certification by county and state canvassing boards, the early call signals a clear path for Barlow to become Wyoming’s next governor.
Barlow’s Record and Platform
Barlow has served in the Wyoming Legislature since 2013, first as a member of the House where he rose to Speaker, and later as a state senator. During the most recent legislative session he sponsored four bills that were signed into law, addressing wildfire management, sage‑grouse mitigation, motor‑vehicle warranties, and agritourism safety.
His campaign platform centers on four pillars:
- Property tax reduction – pledging to ease the tax burden on families and businesses.
- Energy independence – supporting Wyoming’s abundant natural resources to keep power affordable and locally controlled.
- Expanded health‑care access – working to broaden options for rural residents while preserving patient choice.
- Private property‑rights protections – defending the rights of landowners against overreaching regulation.
What This Means for Wyoming
Barlow’s victory aligns Wyoming’s executive leadership with a Republican agenda that emphasizes limited government, free‑market energy policy, and strong protection of private property. For families and businesses across the state, his focus on tax relief and energy independence promises to keep household costs low and maintain the state’s reputation as a premier energy producer.
Local leaders have welcomed the clear direction, noting that Barlow’s legislative experience and veteran background bring both practical know‑how and a commitment to service. “Governor‑elect Barlow’s dedication to Wyoming families and his proven record in the Legislature give us confidence that the state will continue on a path of prosperity and freedom,” said a senior Republican official in Casper.
Next Steps
The general election will be held on November 8, 2026. With the primary already decided, Barlow’s campaign will shift to a statewide outreach effort, emphasizing his platform’s alignment with Wyoming’s traditional values of self‑reliance, faith, and liberty. Voters can expect continued updates on his policy proposals as the election approaches.
Results will be posted on the live results page once certification is complete.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
