Riverton – On Thursday, the Boys & Girls Club of Central Wyoming hosted a town‑hall style forum that brought together three GOP candidates for governor and a group of 13 local teens ages 11 to 17. The young participants, who travel from Riverton, Casper and Glenrock, prepared video pitches and questions over several weeks, then gathered at the club to hear the candidates speak directly to the next generation of voters.
Candidates and their backgrounds
State Senate President Eric Barlow grew up on a ranch in Campbell County, served in the Marine Corps and worked as a veterinarian before entering politics. He was first elected to the House in 2013, later becoming speaker, and switched to the Senate in 2021.
Former Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder is a Casper native who was active in her local Boys & Girls Club as a child. A University of Wyoming graduate, she was elected superintendent in 2022 and has emphasized expanding skilled trades and vocational training for Wyoming youth.
Retired Marine Corps Colonel Brent Bien also hails from Wyoming and previously challenged Governor Mark Gordon in 2022. He highlighted limited government, the importance of family, and the need to address cost‑of‑living pressures that drive young people out of state.
What the youth asked
Moderated by Preston Blakeley, area director of the Boys & Girls Clubs, the teens asked about mental‑health resources, stress management, workforce development and how public funds are used for youth‑enrichment programs. They also pressed the candidates on why Wyoming continues to lose its young residents.
Barlow answered that he left Wyoming for 16 years before returning, and urged the students to think about the kind of life they want to build, not just a job. He shared his personal routine for handling stress – morning prayer, long walks and a flip‑phone to avoid unhealthy social‑media habits.
Degenfelder spoke about the rise of skilled vocational trades, promising more economic opportunities for young people. She referenced Wyoming’s iconic bison, noting how the animal faces a snowstorm head‑on, a metaphor for confronting challenges.
Bien stressed that limiting government and lowering the cost of living are essential to bringing Wyoming’s youth back home. He highlighted the role of a strong nuclear family and community involvement in shaping a brighter future.
Community impact
Club CEO Ashley Bright said the forum was a direct response to a spring‑time call for interest, and the video‑pitch process helped the teens articulate their concerns. “They are 100 % of the future,” Blakeley said, emphasizing the importance of giving young people a seat at the table.
While a fourth Republican candidate, Curt Blake, did not attend, the event gave voters a clear view of each contender’s priorities ahead of the August primary. The winner will face Democrat Kenneth Casner and Constitution Party nominee Rebecca Bextel in the November general election.
For a full rundown of Wyoming’s 2026 races, see WyoFile’s Election Guide.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
