Numerous seats in the Wyoming state government are contested in this year’s election—but what’s what and who’s who? For state elections, voters may only vote for candidates who reside in their own district of residence. Those who are uncertain which district that might be can find out at www.co.albany.wy.us/elections/aspx.
UW students may vote in Wyoming elections if they’re registered here, and those sending out absentee ballots for out-of-state elections will need to be familiar with their home state’s rules and deadlines for voting.
Senate
Wyoming state senators are elected for terms of four years. Residents of District 9 in Laramie have the choice of casting ballots for Chris Rothfuss (D), who is running unopposed and has served as the Senate Minority Leader for the past six years.
Larry Hicks (R) and Lee Ann Stephenson (D) are on the ballot for District 11.
Hicks, an incumbent, has served eight years in the Wyoming Senate and has worked with federal, state and local agencies and citizens on matters of natural resource management.
Stephenson has worked for the Department of Family Services and the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, and has worked alongside the legislature to prepare laws regarding child protection and welfare reform.
House of Representatives
Representatives in Wyoming’s House are elected for two-year terms, and Albany County is the site of elections for five House Districts.
District 14 voters will see on their ballots Daniel Furphy (R) and Lorraine Saulino-Klein (D). Furphy lists his experience as a banking CEO and economic developer in the Laramie community as a solid background for handling state budgets, and Saulino-Klein emphasizes the importance of health care in the legislature and considers herself a strong pick as a longtime health care worker, small business owner and teacher.
District 46’s seat is contested by Jackie Grimes (D) and Bill Haley (R). Grimes describes her experience in mental health and education as a foundation for a role as a policy planner and coordinator, while Haley has served a previous term in the House and emphasizes his expertise in public land matters and his role on the Pilot Hill Project.
District 45’s election is between Roxie Hensley (R) and Charles F. Pelkey (D). Hensley puts forth her experience in law and small business as her strong points as a candidate, while Pelkey is the current Minority Whip and has served two terms in the House.
Cathy Connolly (D, HD 13) and Jerry Paxton (R, HD 47) are running unopposed in their districts.
Secretary of State
Moving out of Wyoming’s Congress, the Secretary of State is elected for a four-year term and is responsible for a wide range of administrative and statutory duties within the state.
Edward Buchanan (R) was appointed to the office in March and is running for a full term, having ten years in the state legislature under his belt with a focus on agriculture and developing the state’s economy.
James W. Byrd (D) is also a ten-year member of Wyoming’s legislature (District 44) and touts his experience as a business consultant and small business owner as additional qualifications.
Kit Carson III, a Libertarian candidate, lists a range of qualifying experiences including ranching, banking, realty, tax consulting and paralegal work, as well as conducting international business as serving as a treasurer for the Libertarian Party.
State Treasurer
Wyoming’s State Treasurer is also elected to a four-year term and oversees the management and investment of the state’s funds, as well as serving on policy-making boards such the State Loan and Investment Board.
Curt Meier (R) has served on the State Board of Education, as president of the Wyoming Ag Leadership Council and in the state legislature for 13 years after replacing Governor Sullivan in Wyoming’s senate.
Chris Lowry (D) holds a Bachelor’s in chemistry from UW, where he has worked in the lab for 22 years as a technician, scientist and manager—putting that experience forward as grounds for his ability to find evidence-supported solutions to various problems.
State Auditor
The office of Wyoming State Auditor ceaselessly ensures that state money is properly accounted for along with sitting on policy-making board, serving a term of four years.
Jeff Dockter (D) holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from UW and has worked in Wyoming’s government since 2003, starting as a project manager.
Kristi Racines (R) holds a degree in accounting from UW and is the current CFO and Director of Human Resources for Wyoming’s judicial branch, and previously worked for a Cheyenne public accounting firm.
Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction
The chief education officer in Wyoming, the Superintendent of Public Instruction is elected to a term of no less than four years.
Jillian Balow (R) is running unopposed, and is the incumbent Superintendent since 2014.
This article’s candidate information was sourced from candidate and election websites when available and from the Laramie Boomerang’s 2018 Election Guide when not.
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