Ready, set, run: Primary election filing begins today

For federal, state, county and city positions, filing for the Aug. 20 primary election will be open from May 16 to May 31.

FEDERAL

Incumbent U.S. Senator John Barrasso, who is finishing his third six-year term, has announced that he will be running for re-election and is seeking the Republican nomination

In his campaign announcement video released on April 16, Barrasso said he would continue to focus on border control, energy policies and cost of living.

Reid Rasner, a wealth manager from Casper, announced early that he will be running against Barrasso for the U.S. Senate Republican nomination.

Rasner’s website states that he prioritizes term limits, pro-life and pro-Second Amendment policies, limiting government and more.

Incumbent U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman announced that she will be running for the seat again, as she nears the end of her first two-year term.

In an election campaign announcement video released on Jan. 4, Hageman reflected similar values. Hageman said she would continue to help secure the southern U.S. border, fight against government overreach and support Wyoming’s industries.

Candidates for federal elections will file for proclamation with the Wyoming Secretary of State.

STATE

Following their first terms, incumbents Ed Cooper (R-SD20, Ten Sleep) and Martha Lawley (R-HD20, Worland) will both be running again for their respective Wyoming Senate and Representative seats.

Cooper is wrapping up his first four-year term as senator. See more information about Cooper in another article in this week’s publication.

Cooper will be running against Tom Olmstead for the Republican nomination. Olhmstead announced earlier this year of his intent to seek the nomination. He has lived in Basin since 2021.

“I am what most people would consider a very conservative Republican and looking at the current state of the Wyoming legislature, I know we can do better for this district,” said Olmstead in a press release.

Lawley, who served a two-year term, said on March 14, “It has been my honor to represent the incredible people in this District. Wyoming continues to face both opportunities and challenges in the years ahead. I have a proven track record of representing this District with competency and integrity. I am asking the voters to allow me to serve them for another term.”

Candidates for state elections will file with the Secretary of State.

COUNTY

Washakie County Commissioner Chairman Aaron Anderson said he will be running for his fifth four-year term.

Anderson said, “I love doing this job for the people of Washakie County […] It’s really rewarding, and I think I’ve had the commitment, the experience and the knowledge to continue doing a good job for the people.”

Anderson said he especially enjoys the opportunity to provide the county with a variety of services, such as the hospital, library and well-maintained roads.

Candidates for commissioner will file with the county clerk. No other county seats are open this year.

CITY

City of Worland Mayor Jim Gill will be seeking another four-year term.

Gill has served as mayor since 2016 and announced that he will be running for re-election on March 7 at a city council meeting.

Gill said during the council meeting, “Much has been accomplished by us in the past four years, but there is more to be done in unison with the council […] I would be greatly humbled to serve another four years as your mayor.”

Four city council seats are up this year, all four-year terms. The seats are currently being held by:

Ward 1 – Rebecca George. George was elected as a council member in 2020.

Ward 2 – Kody DeMunbrun and Wendy Fredricks. Fredricks was elected in 2020, and DeMunbrun was appointed in 2019 and elected in 2020.

Ward 3 – William Worley. Worley was elected in 2020.

Candidates for municipal offices will file with the city clerk. Municipal seats are non-partisan. The two top vote-getters for each office will advance to the general election in November.

GENERAL ELECTION

Justices and special districts will be on the ballot for the General Election in November. The filing dates for school board trustees, fire protection districts, the cemetery district and the conservation district will be Aug. 7 to Aug. 26.

-Two justices of the Supreme Court (eight-year term) and one Fifth Judicial District Circuit Court judge (four-year term).

-Three Washakie County School District #1 trustees at-large (four-year term).

-Three Washakie County School District #2 trustees at-large (four-year term).

-Three Worland Fire Protection District #1 directors at-large (four-year term).

-Two Ten Sleep Fire Protection District #2 trustees outside City Limits (four-year term).

-Two Ten Sleep Cemetery District trustees (four-year term).

-Two Washakie County Conservation District directors — rural and at-large (four-year terms).