Wyoming voters decide on property tax cut and new governor
Election Day in Wyoming features a governor's race, a congressional contest, and a proposal to halve the tax burden on primary residences.
By Thiago Kovalenko ·
Wyoming residents will vote on Tuesday in races for governor and the U.S. House of Representatives. The ballot also includes Proposition 1, a measure that could lower property taxes for homeowners. These contests determine leadership for the state and set the direction for local funding sources.
The governor's race features Republican Eric Barlow, Democrat Ken Casner, and Constitution Party candidate Rebecca Bextel. Casner has kept his campaign low-key, appearing only occasionally and using no paid advertising. Bextel has run an aggressive campaign with a record amount of paid advertising for a third-party candidate in Wyoming.
Bextel, a Jackson businesswoman originally from Alabama, was photographed in February handing $1,500 checks to lawmakers on the House floor while the body was not in session. A House investigative committee found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing in that incident. It passed new rules to prevent similar behavior in the future. Bextel positions herself as a conservative alternative to Barlow, calling him a Republican in name only.
Barlow is a veterinarian from Gillette and a former Speaker of the Wyoming House. He served in the state Senate before running for governor. His campaign describes him as a common-sense conservative focused on problem-solving and respectful leadership.
In the race for the U.S. House, Republican Chuck Gray faces Democrat Lisa Kinney, Libertarian Shawn Johnson, and Constitution Party candidate Jeff Haggit. Gray is the current Wyoming Secretary of State. He won the Republican nomination in a field of nine candidates with about 25 percent of the vote. Wyoming has not elected a Democrat to Congress since 1976. Gray has clashed with Governor Mark Gordon, who did not endorse a congressional candidate.
Proposition 1 would exempt 50 percent of the assessed value of a primary residence from property taxes. The exemption applies to one property per person and does not cover rental or business properties. Supporter argue that property taxes have risen by an average of 73 percent since 2019. They say the state needs relief and that local governments can operate effectively with less money.
Opponents claim the proposal would hurt public safety and schools. They estimate the lost revenue could reach $125 million annually. Some opponents warn that the state might introduce an income tax to replace the lost funds. Property taxes currently go to local schools, fire districts, and road maintenance rather than state programs.
Voters will cast their ballots on Tuesday. The results will determine the next governor of Wyoming and the state's representative in the U.S. House. The vote on Proposition 1 will decide whether the proposed tax exemption becomes law.
