Early filings show three-way Republican race for sheriff

WORLAND — After the first week of filings there is a three-way race for the Republican nomination for Washakie County Sheriff.

Washakie County Sheriff Steve Rakness announced on Facebook Thursday, May 12, that he will not be seeking a fifth term as Sheriff of Washakie County.

He posted, “After 33 plus years of service to the Washakie County Sheriff’s Office and the Worland Police Department, I’m hanging up my badge and seeking new adventures in life.”

Filing to replace Rakness is Washakie County Sheriff Deputy Austin Brookwell, Worland Police Department Sgt. Sean Duffy and WPD Sgt. Brad Horath.

In other county filings, County Commissioners Terry Wolf and Fred Frandson have both filed for re-election on the Republican ticket.

They are challenged on the Republican ticket by Morgan Martinez.

Jeff Lapp has filed for re-election as county coroner on the Republican ticket. County Treasurer Doris Kern has filed for re-election on the Republican ticket.

County Assessor Nancy Quinn has filed for election to the position she was appointed to last year. She has filed for the Republican nomination.

Anthony Barton, deputy county attorney, has filed for the Republican nomination for the Washakie County and Prosecuting Attorney.

Lily Rakness Parra, deputy clerk, has filed for the Republican nomination for the county clerk position.

There are currently no filings for clerk of district court, but current clerk Christy Schneider indicated she would file for the position to which she was appointed.

No Democrats have filed for any county office. Filing continues through Friday, May 27.

COUNCIL

There are six seats up for election on the Worland City Council this year.

There are two four-year seats up in Ward 1 with incumbents Barbara Brookwell and Adam Martinez filing to retain their seats. Brookwell was appointed and Martinez is seeking re-election after serving a two-year term.

There are no filings at this time for a two-year seat in Ward 1. This seat was held by Scott Schaeffer but Schaeffer announced earlier this month he has moved out of Ward 1, thus needed to vacate the seat.

There are no filings for the one four-year term in Ward 2. The seat is currently held by Christy Schneider.

There are two four-year terms in Ward 3 with Kreg Lombard filing for re-election as of press time. The other seat is currently held by Mike Neufer who has announced he plans to file for re-election.

Council seats are non-partisan so no party affiliation has to be declared.

During the primary election in August the top two vote-getters for each seat will advance to the general election.

FEDERAL, STATE

OFFICES

For the state legislature Martha Lawley of Worland has filed for the House District 27 Republican nomination. Current representative Mike Greear announced he would not seek another term.

For House District 28, John R. Winter of Thermopolis has filed for re-election on the Republican ticket.

For the U.S. House of Representatives, according to information on the Secretary of State’s website, state legislator Anthony Bouchard of Cheyenne has filed for the Republican nomination.

Four Republicans have filed for governor, Governor Mark Gordon of Buffalo, Brent Bien of Sheridan, Rex Rammell of Rock Springs and James Scott Quick of Douglas.

Kristi Racines, incumbent, has filed for the Republican nomination for State Auditor. State Treasurer Curt Meier has filed for the Republican nomination as he seeks re-election.

Two Republicans and one Democrat have filed for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Republican nominees are Megan Degenfelder of Laramie, Thomas Kelly of Sheridan and current superintendent Brian Schroeder of Cheyenne.

Sergio A. Maldonado Sr. of Lander has filed for the Democratic nomination.

Secretary of State Ed Buchanan announced Tuesday that he will not seek a second term as Wyoming’s Secretary of State. 

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Wyoming as your Secretary of State.  Recently, the opportunity presented itself to apply for a judicial position in my hometown of Torrington.  While I have been so grateful for the time I have spent as the Secretary of State, it would not be appropriate for me to explore a judicial opportunity while also running for this important office,” said Buchanan. 

Dan Dockstader of Afton has filed for the GOP nomination for Secretary of State

Filing continues through Friday, May 27. Candidates for state and federal offices file with the Secretary of State’s office.

Council candidates file at city hall. County candidates file at the county clerk’s office in the courthouse.