Wright rancher, veterinarian, Marine veteran, and longtime state lawmaker Eric Barlow is officially jumping into Wyoming’s 2026 governor’s race — and he’s starting early. Surrounded by friends, family, and supporters in his hometown, Barlow announced his campaign Tuesday, calling for strong leadership and a return to what he describes as core Wyoming values.
“I am here with you, friends and family, in Wright, to humbly announce my candidacy for Governor of Wyoming,” Barlow said. “I ask for your support as we embark on this vital journey for our state’s future.”
Born in Gillette and raised on his family’s ranch southwest of town, Barlow has worn a lot of hats — US Marine, large-animal veterinarian, rancher, and for more than a decade, a Republican lawmaker representing Campbell County. He served as Speaker of the House before moving to the state Senate, where he now chairs key committees like Labor, Health and Social Services and the Mental Health and Vulnerable Adult Task Force.
Barlow says his campaign will focus on what he sees as Wyoming’s biggest priorities: achieving energy independence, cutting property taxes, improving healthcare access, defending local control, and safeguarding private property rights. He also vowed to protect the Second Amendment, uphold the “sanctity of life,” and keep “Washington, DC out of Wyoming’s business.”
“I love Wyoming. I love her honest, hard-working people whose grit and independent spirit make our beloved state so great,” Barlow said. “Kelly and I have been blessed to raise our children, Kate and Graham, here. I want the next generations to have even greater opportunities and a future here in Wyoming.”
His legislative record includes bills on wildfire management, sage grouse conservation, vehicle dealer warranty protections, and expanding the state’s Recreation Safety Act to include agritourism. Earlier this year, he co-sponsored a successful measure to reduce Wyoming’s coal severance tax rate — a move he says reflects his commitment to the state’s energy industry.
Barlow has also navigated his share of political turbulence, including a failed push earlier this year by another senator to remove him as committee chair over disagreements on abortion policy. He survived the challenge with overwhelming support from colleagues.
Launching his campaign 15 months before the August 2026 primary, Barlow says the early start will help him build a grassroots network and compete with well-funded outside interests. He plans to spend the next year meeting voters at kitchen tables, county fairs, and community events across the state.
Current Gov. Mark Gordon is term-limited and will not be on the ballot, leaving the race wide open. Barlow joins Brent Bien and Joseph Kibler in the Republican field, with other high-profile names — including US Rep. Harriet Hageman, Secretary of State Chuck Gray, Senate President Bo Biteman, and House Speaker Chip Neiman — still rumored as potential contenders.
“We’re starting early so we can raise the resources needed to run a successful campaign, working against outside forces who don’t understand who we are but want to decide for us,” Barlow said. “Wyoming deserves leaders who show up, who do the work, and who get results. That’s what I’ve done — and that’s exactly the kind of governor I will be.”
More on Barlow’s campaign can be found at www.BarlowForWyo.com or on social media at @BarlowForWyo.
With input from Oil City News, WyoFile, and Sheridan Media.
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