Who’s running for Wyoming Governor in 2026?
The 2026 Wyoming Governor election is a closely watched contest for the state’s highest office. With Governor Mark Gordon unable to seek a third consecutive term due to term limits, this race will decide the next leader of Wyoming. This guide provides readers with comprehensive information about the candidates, the election process, and what’s at stake in the state’s political landscape. Understanding the 2026 Wyoming gubernatorial election is essential for staying informed about all contenders and election logistics.
2026 Wyoming Governor Election: Candidates and Race Overview
Wyoming voters will elect a new Governor in November 2026, as incumbent Republican Mark Gordon has reached his consecutive term limit and is not eligible for re-election. The office of Governor plays a central role in leading the state government and setting policy priorities. Wyoming is known for its strong Republican voting record, reflected in a Cook Partisan Voting Index of R 23 and the current makeup of the state legislature, which is overwhelmingly Republican by both seat count and leadership roles. According to political analysis outlets, the 2026 race is considered Solid Republican, with the state’s Republican Party holding a trifecta across the executive and legislative branches. The election represents an open seat, making it a significant event in Wyoming’s ongoing political story. As with past contests, the outcome of the 2026 Wyoming Governor election will influence state policies and governance for the coming years.
Candidates in the 2026 Wyoming Governor election
Multiple candidates have emerged for the 2026 Wyoming Governor election, representing the Republican Party, with no Democratic or independent candidates officially declared based on current information. Republican candidates:
– Eric Barlow is a Republican who currently serves as a state senator for Wyoming’s 23rd district (2023–present). He has officially declared his candidacy and has filed all required paperwork.
– Brent Bien is a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel and previously ran for governor in 2022. He has officially declared his candidacy for the 2026 election and has completed the filing process. He is also involved in leading a property tax initiative on the 2026 ballot.
– Joseph Kibler is a conservative Republican candidate and small business owner with more than 20 years of leadership experience in marketing, operations, and emergency services. He has served as a paid call firefighter and company officer. Kibler has officially declared his candidacy. His platform, as provided in the summary, focuses on government overreach reduction, protecting property rights, parent-led education, energy independence, low taxes, small government, and government transparency.
– Reid Rasner is a financial executive and was a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2024. He has filed paperwork for this race but has not formally declared his candidacy. Democratic and Independent/Other candidates:
No Democratic or independent candidates have officially declared or filed at this time, according to publicly available records and summaries. As the 2026 Wyoming Governor election approaches, additional candidates may enter the race.
2026 Wyoming Gubernatorial Election Details
The 2026 Wyoming gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. The primary election will occur on August 18, 2026, and the official candidate filing deadline is May 29, 2026. Wyoming conducts primary elections for major parties, after which each party’s nominee competes in the general election held in November. Governor Mark Gordon, a Republican, is term-limited and cannot run for another consecutive term, creating an open seat for the first time since his initial election. Wyoming’s historical voting patterns strongly favor the Republican Party, with no Democrat winning a statewide election since 2006. All current congressional representatives and a substantial majority of the state legislature are Republicans, reinforcing the state’s political composition. The 2026 contest is regarded as solidly Republican by multiple political ratings, reflecting the state’s Cook Partisan Voting Index of R 23. Several Republican candidates, including Eric Barlow, Brent Bien, Joseph Kibler, and Reid Rasner, are running or have filed for the Governor’s office. There are currently no declared Democratic or independent candidates.
Polling and Race Outlook for the 2026 Wyoming Governor Election
As of now, there are no official public polls released for the 2026 Wyoming Governor election. Based on available political analysis and reporting, the race is widely considered to strongly favor the Republican nominee, and no major challengers from outside the party have emerged. The Republican candidates, including Eric Barlow, Brent Bien, Joseph Kibler, and Reid Rasner (filed paperwork), are currently in the spotlight given the state’s historical voting patterns and the open seat status. No Democratic candidates are officially declared. Multiple outlets consistently rate the race as Solid Republican, citing Wyoming’s strong GOP advantage and the political makeup of statewide offices and the legislature. Any new polling data that emerges will provide further insights into candidate support and voter preferences as the campaign season progresses.
Key Issues in the 2026 Wyoming Governor Race
Key issues identified in the 2026 Wyoming Governor election include government overreach reduction, cutting red tape and decentralizing governmental control, protecting property rights, parent-led education, and maintaining energy dominance and independence. Candidates have also focused on low taxes, policies supporting small government, and improving transparency and accountability in state government. These topics reflect broader political priorities within the state and are frequently discussed in candidate statements and campaign materials. Energy independence, property rights, and educational control remain important discussion points given Wyoming’s economic profile and legislative trends. Voters can expect these matters to be central throughout the election cycle.
Partner with Sutton & Smart: Election Services for Campaigns
Sutton & Smart offers nonpartisan services to campaigns, candidates, and organizations—including petition drives, voter contact initiatives, canvassing, and political consulting. Reach out to learn how our experienced team can support your campaign and engagement efforts in Wyoming’s 2026 election.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Wyoming_gubernatorial_election
https://sos.wyo.gov/elections/initiativereferenduminfo.aspx
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Jon Sutton
An expert in management, strategy, and field organizing, Jon has been a frequent commentator in national publications.
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