Wyoming holds state primary with unusually high number of open-seat races

Four Republicans vie for governor; Hageman enters Senate race

Wyoming’s state primary Tuesday marks the first time in 32 years the state has had open seats for governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House at the same time. The simultaneous departures of Gov. Mark Gordon and U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, combined with U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman’s decision to run to replace Lummis, set off a scramble for contests throughout the ballot, according to the Associated Press. The races for Wyoming Secretary of State and state Superintendent of Public Instruction are also open, with both incumbents seeking higher office.

All statewide elected offices in Wyoming are currently held by Republicans, meaning Tuesday’s GOP primaries will effectively determine who holds those offices in the next term.

Four candidates are competing for the Republican nomination to replace Gordon. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder is the state’s top education official and would vacate her current post to seek the governorship. Former state House Speaker and current state Sen. Eric Barlow is also in the field. Retired Marine Corps colonel Brent Bien, who ran for governor in 2022, and professional bull rider and rodeo producer Curt Blake round out the contenders.

Gordon considered seeking a third term and challenging a state term limit law, but ultimately decided against it, the AP reported.

The U.S. Senate contest has been reshaped by Hageman’s decision to seek the seat Lummis is vacating. Hageman’s move to the Senate race in turn leaves her U.S. House seat open, adding another open-seat contest to Tuesday’s ballot.

The Secretary of State and Superintendent of Public Instruction positions are also open this cycle, with both incumbents seeking higher office rather than reelection, the AP reported.