Op-Ed: The Wyoming Way: Neighbor Helping Neighbor
It all begins with an idea.
By Senator Eric Barlow
In Wyoming, we don’t wait for others to fix our problems—we roll up our sleeves and help each other. When government systems stall or break down, families, churches, and food pantries step forward. That’s the Wyoming way.
Tens of thousands of people across our state depend on federal food assistance to get by. When that support is interrupted—as can happen during shutdowns or funding lapses—our local communities step in. Families come together, volunteers pitch in, and neighbors quietly ensure no one goes hungry.
Losing support overnight is frightening, especially for seniors, working parents, and veterans on fixed incomes. But it also reminds us of what keeps our state strong: the simple habit of looking out for each other.
Across Wyoming, food pantries and community groups are stepping up to meet growing needs. Their efforts remind us that generosity isn’t about policies, it’s about people. When one neighbor helps another, it strengthens the entire community.
Public service isn’t limited to elected office or government programs. It lives in every person willing to help without being asked, to give without expecting credit, and to lead by example. It’s the quiet acts of service—the neighbor who plows a driveway, the ranch family delivering hay to a friend in need, the church group stocking a food shelf—that hold our communities together.
If you’re able, donate to your local food bank; even a few dollars can go a long way in a small town. Volunteer to prepare meals or deliver groceries to families, seniors, and veterans facing food insecurity. Check in on your neighbors, especially those who live alone or may need a hand through the winter. Support the churches, 4-H clubs, and civic groups that quietly make Wyoming stronger every day.
When the federal system slows down, Wyoming’s spirit persists. We show up, feed a neighbor, lend a hand, and protect the land we call home.
That’s not politics. That’s Wyoming.
Barlow Raises $350,000 in Less Than Three Months, Surging Ahead with Grassroots Momentum
GILLETTE, WY — There is real energy behind Eric Barlow’s campaign for governor, which continues to grow across Wyoming—from kitchen tables and parade routes to shop floors and main streets.
In less than three months since launching his campaign, nearly 350 Wyomingites from all regions of the state and walks of life have stepped up to donate—more than 80 in the last week alone—raising nearly $350,000 to date. These honest, hardworking people have come together in support of Barlow’s vision for steady leadership, local control, and Wyoming-based solutions that reflect the state’s values of freedom, community, and respect for the land.
In addition to the strong grassroots financial performance, the campaign has rapidly expanded its statewide presence as friends and neighbors host meet-and-greets, organize events, and share Barlow’s message in their hometowns. The campaign has already:
Visited 18 counties and 31 communities across Wyoming—from small ranching towns to growing energy hubs—listening and learning directly from local residents about their priorities.
Participated in or hosted more than 120 campaign events across the state, including local business tours, parades, and community forums focused on Wyoming’s future.
Welcomed more than 550 volunteers eager to help share the campaign’s message in their communities, both in person and online.
What Eric, Kelly, and the campaign team are hearing across Wyoming includes a desire for steady, respectful leadership that prioritizes local control and always puts Wyoming first—not outside wish lists or fear tactics.
“These milestones underscore a campaign built on authentic connections and steady, Wyoming-driven leadership,” Barlow said. “Our campaign is rooted in Wyoming values—hard work, honesty, and community. The strong and growing support we see across the state shows that people want a governor who listens, learns, and leads with Wyoming’s best interests at heart.”
The campaign credits its early success to a mix of in-person events, grassroots outreach, and a strong digital presence—which gets accomplished despite Eric’s flip phone. New strategies will soon roll out, engaging even more citizens across the state.
“Wyomingites want a leader who understands our opportunities and challenges firsthand, from energy and agriculture to education and healthcare,” Barlow added. “I’m humbled by the trust people are placing in me, and I’ll keep working to earn it every day.”
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CodY Enterprise: Barlow campaign comes to Cody
Eric Barlow, the Wyoming state senator who announced in August that he will run for governor, made his first campaign visit to Cody this week.
As part of the first phase of his candidacy, Barlow has visited 18 of Wyoming’s counties to meet with voters and community members, and learn more about the issues facing Wyomingites. The goal of this early swing through the state, he says, is to ascertain what matters most to citizen voters and develop policies to better address those concerns.
Powell Tribue: A Year out, barlow asserts conservative stripes as candidate for governor.
Banners, yard signs and candidate debates are a ways off, but the campaign for Wyoming’s next governor is already front and center.
Veteran state legislator Sen. Eric Barlow, R-Gillette, was in Powell on Monday at a campaign event to drum up support for his bid in the 2026 Wyoming elections to succeed Mark Gordon as Wyoming’s next chief executive. The 59-year-old will be on the Republican ballot for governor in the primary election on Aug. 18, 2026.
The branding Iron: Sen. Eric Barlow: Gubernatorial Candidate
For Senator Eric Barlow, running for governor isn’t about personal ambition; it’s about service. After nearly 14 years in the Wyoming Legislature and two decades in state service, Barlow said he felt the time was right to take on a new role where he could “make the next difference” for the state he’s always called home.
“Like a lot of people, I love Wyoming,” Barlow said. “I’ve served the state in a variety of ways, on the livestock board, in the Legislature, and now, I want to continue that work at the next level.”
Eric Barlow Announces Candidacy for Governor of Wyoming
Surrounded by family, friends, and longtime supporters in Wright, Eric Barlow officially announced his candidacy for Governor of Wyoming today, launching a campaign focused on strong leadership, Wyoming values, and protecting the future of the state he calls home.
EMBARGOED UNTIL AUG 12, 2025 1 pm
August 12, 2025
Eric Barlow Announces Candidacy for Governor of Wyoming
Veteran, Rancher, and Proven Conservative Leader Pledges to Put Wyoming Firs
Wright, WY — Surrounded by family, friends, and longtime supporters in Wright, Eric Barlow officially announced his candidacy for Governor of Wyoming today, launching a campaign focused on strong leadership, Wyoming values, and protecting the future of the state he calls home.
“I am here with you, friends and family, in Wright, to humbly announce my candidacy for Governor of Wyoming,” said Barlow. “I ask for your support as we embark on this vital journey for our state’s future.”
Barlow, who was born in Gillette and raised on the family ranch southwest of town, has spent his life in service to others—as a U.S. Marine, a veterinarian, a rancher, and a legislative leader. He has represented Campbell County in the Wyoming Legislature for over a decade, including serving as Speaker of the House and currently as a State Senator.
“I love Wyoming. I love her honest, hard-working people whose grit and independent spirit make our beloved state so great,” said Barlow. “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.”
Throughout his public service, Barlow has championed issues critical to Wyoming’s future—supporting energy independence, reducing property taxes, improving access to healthcare, and defending local control and private property rights. He emphasized that his campaign will continue to reflect the values he has always brought to leadership. I am a leader who stands firmly on sound, conservative principles and who will fiercely defend your rights, including the Second Amendment and sanctity of life. As your next Governor, I will protect your private property rights, safeguard our public lands, and keep Washington, D.C. out of Wyoming’s business.”
“My approach has always been to listen, learn, and do the work,” said Barlow. “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.”
Acknowledging his campaign's early start, Barlow explained the importance of building a strong grassroots coalition: “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’s campaign will focus on meeting voters where they are—at kitchen tables, county fairs, and community gatherings—offering a vision rooted in service, integrity, and action.
For more information, visit www.BarlowForWyo.com or follow the campaign on social media @BarlowForWyo.
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Barlow announcement speech
Today, I’m pleased to announce my candidacy for Governor of Wyoming.
Good afternoon, thank you for joining us today. For those who might not know me, I am Eric Barlow. I currently serve Wyoming Senate District 23, representing Campbell County.
Today, I’m pleased to announce my candidacy for Governor of Wyoming. I humbly ask for your support as we embark on this vital journey to advance and protect Wyoming for its citizens.
I am asking for your support because, like you, I love Wyoming. I love our honest, hard-working people whose grit and independent spirit make our state ‘like no place else on earth’. Like you, I love our mountains, valleys, and plains—Wyoming is truly a special place to us all. It’s our home.
As a Wyoming native, I grew up working on our family ranch near the Campbell and Johnson County line. From a young age, I learned the values that shape our way of life: hard work, integrity, and respect for the land. These values are deeply ingrained in the fabric of Wyoming’s character - and in me. These values are not just words; they are what drive me to serve, and they are what every Wyoming citizen deserves in their leadership.
My wife, Kelly, and I have been blessed to raise our children, Kate and Graham, here. I want to ensure that all of Wyoming’s children have a future that allows them to stay and thrive in this great state, just like our kids have.
I’ve had the honor of serving in a variety of roles. From my service in the Marine Corps to my time as a veterinarian working alongside ranchers, every job I’ve had has been rooted in the belief that service is about helping others, something Wyoming needs more of.
In my public service, I’ve had the opportunity to serve on the Wyoming Livestock Board, in the Wyoming House of Representatives, and now in the Wyoming Senate. In all of these, I’ve worked on issues you’ve told me matter most to you, including: reducing property taxes, improving healthcare access, fighting federal overreach, and supporting the energy industries that power our state and nation. At every step, I’ve remained committed to these key principles: listen to the people, learn from them, and do the hard work it takes to make a difference. That’s exactly the kind of Governor I will be, making decisions based on what’s best for Wyoming—not the right and left coasts.
I am a leader who stands firmly on sound, conservative principles and who will fiercely defend your rights, including the Second Amendment and sanctity of life. As your next Governor, I will protect your private property rights, safeguard our public lands, and keep Washington, D.C.out of Wyoming’s business.
I’ll work with you to strengthen our education system—to one that better empowers parents, supports teachers, and prepares our kids for the future. I’ll fight for an economy that works for all of Wyoming by helping our traditional industries like agriculture, energy, and tourism, while also encouraging innovation and new opportunities that keep our communities strong and competitive.
I believe Wyoming citizens deserve the freedom to grow and succeed in the ways that best fit their lives, and that starts with empowering individuals and communities to drive their own success. To do this, I need the support of hardworking Wyomingites like you who believe in the future of our state.
We’re starting early to build the resources we need to run a strong, grassroots campaign—because there are outside interests who don’t understand Wyoming, yet still want to make decisions for us.
Today, we ask that you come alongside us with prayers, financial support and ultimately your vote in next year’s Republican Primary.
As Governor, I will continue to serve with the same commitment I’ve always had— being faithful to Wyoming, always listening to the people, and always focused on delivering results. Together, we can secure a future in which Wyoming remains the freest, most prosperous, and most independent state in the country.
Thank you for your support, and God bless Wyoming!
Not for Sale: Standing Against Federal Overreach on Our Lands
Public land is not just scenery—it’s our heritage, our livelihood, and our shared responsibility. From the open range to the high country, we take pride in stewarding these lands and developing their resources responsibly.
Not for Sale: Standing Against Federal Overreach on Our Lands
By Eric Barlow, State Senator, District 23 and former Speaker of the House.
In recent days, I’ve heard from a remarkable number of people across Wyoming about a proposal in the U.S. Senate to sell off federal public lands. I hear your concerns—and I share them.
What’s notable is what I haven’t heard. No one—from the people in my district to local governments to outdoor recreation advocates to land-use organizations—is calling for this kind of federal action. Simply put, this proposal does not reflect the needs or values of the people of Wyoming.
Public land is not just scenery—it’s our heritage, our livelihood, and our shared responsibility. From the open range to the high country, we take pride in stewarding these lands and developing their resources responsibly. These federal lands belong to all Americans, and Congress has a duty to care for them in a manner that supports multiple uses and the public good—not to put them up for sale without input from the communities that depend on them.
The current proposal appears to be the proverbial “camel’s nose under the tent.” It opens the door to a top-down, quota-driven approach to land sales that prioritizes numbers over people and bypasses the safeguards that protect our local voice. Wyoming doesn’t need a sweeping, one-size-fits-all federal plan. We need practical, community-led solutions grounded in local knowledge and respect for our treasured heritage..
Before moving forward, Congress should take the time to fully understand the impact on states like Wyoming and make sure they get it right. There is already a legal and functioning process in place to purchase or exchange federal land when there is a clear need. We’ve used, and are currently using this process in Wyoming—successfully—including in my district, and it can serve as a guide for future cases. Is the process perfect? No. It could be improved, and those improvements should be part of the conversation, especially during confirmation hearings for nominees to federal land management agencies.
But moving forward with legislation that encourages broad land sales—without thoughtful review, clear criteria, or local input—is a mistake.
Any policy involving public land must be carefully crafted with respect for the people who live closest to those lands. Each of our counties has its own land use plans, developed with public input and tailored to its unique needs. Any federal action that ignores them is shortsighted and harmful.
It’s worth noting that this issue isn’t just coming from Washington. Earlier this year, the Wyoming Senate considered a resolution calling for the federal government to turn all public lands over to the states. That resolution failed—and rightly so. It lacked clear guidelines for land management, oversight, and public accountability. I voted against it then, and I would vote against it again.
Our state has always valued collaboration over command-and-control. We know how to work through tough issues with transparency and local leadership. The current proposal, however, doesn’t reflect that spirit. It undermines thoughtful, locally driven land management in favor of a rushed and ill-advised federal directive.
If Congress is serious about improving land management, the solution isn’t selling off public lands—it’s engaging with local communities, streamlining existing processes, and strengthening partnerships on the ground. That’s how we protect access, preserve use, and ensure the land remains a benefit to all, not just to the highest bidder.
Some folks are fond of using Wyoming’s Code of the West, and one comes to mind now… “some things aren’t for sale.” Wyoming’s federal public lands should be one of them.
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