Eric Barlow (Wyoming politician)

Eric Barlow was born in Gillette, Wyoming, and raised on his family’s ranch southwest of town. After graduating from Campbell County High School in 1984 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and in 1998 he earned a veterinary degree from Colorado State University.⁠[1][2]

Barlow went on to practice as a large-animal veterinarian and run the family ranch, which raises cattle, sheep and yak. In 2006 he was appointed to the Wyoming Livestock Board, serving six years.⁠[1]

In 2012 Barlow won a seat in the Wyoming House of Representatives, serving five terms representing southern Campbell and eastern Converse counties (House District 3), including as majority leader and, in 2021–22, as speaker of the House.⁠[1][2][3]

In 2023 Barlow moved to the Wyoming Senate, representing District 23. He emphasized health-care policy and in 2023 created a way for nonviolent felons to have gun and other rights restored after completing their sentences.⁠[3][1]

In the 2026 legislative session four of his bills were signed into law, covering wildfire management, sage grouse mitigation, motor vehicle warranties and agritourism safety. He also introduced SJ0009, the Public Lands Resolution.⁠[4][5]

Governor Mark Gordon did not seek re-election. In the Republican primary on August 18, 2026, Barlow defeated Megan Degenfelder, who had Donald Trump’s endorsement, Brent Bien, who was backed by the Wyoming Republican Party, and Curt Blake; the Associated Press called the race at 8:54 p.m. with 21% of the vote counted. Unofficial returns gave Barlow 58,820 votes, Degenfelder 38,739, Bien 30,739 and Blake 2,161.⁠[2][4]

In a statement he said he had run on the idea of “show up, do the work, get the job done,” and that he ran “not against anyone.” Degenfelder conceded and congratulated him.⁠[2]

In the general election Barlow faced Democrat Kenneth Casner of Casper and Constitution Party candidate Rebecca Bextel of Jackson.⁠[2]

Barlow said he supports cash-based budgeting: “Cash-based budgeting forces us to set priorities with the money we have today.” He opposed selling or transferring public land, saying, “I do not support the wholesale, fire sale of Wyoming’s public lands.” He said data center proposals should be decided locally, proposed regional governor offices around the state, and pledged to assemble a health care “strike team” to strengthen rural hospitals, clinics and behavioral health services.⁠[5]

State campaign finance filings as of October 29, 2026, showed he raised $1,715,914 and spent $1,498,577 in the primary period (through August 18), and raised $334,603 and spent $195,150 in the general election period (August 19 to October 29).⁠[5]

On November 3 Barlow was elected governor of Wyoming. With 93% of the vote counted that night he had 68.4% (125,427 votes), to 16.8% for Bextel and 14.8% for Casner, and he won every county with at least 59%. The Associated Press projected him the winner.⁠[3][6]

Barlow for Wyoming: Official website: https://www.barlowforwyo.com/ (opens in a new window).⁠[1]