Barlow says voters — not state GOP – should decide primary

CODY (WNE) — Republican gubernatorial candidate Eric Barlow will not participate in the GOP’s pre-primary endorsement process or return the party’s platform questionnaire, believing the decision on who should represent the Republican Party in the general election belongs to Wyoming Republican voters.

“I am a Republican, and I agree with the Republican platform,” Barlow said in a statement. “But in a contested Republican primary, the voters should decide. I will not seek or accept an endorsement from the Wyoming Republican Party before receiving the votes of Wyoming’s Republican electorate.”

Barlow's campaign points to the rule of law as the foundation of the decision. 

Under current Wyoming law, political party funds may not be used to aid the nomination of one candidate over another candidate of the same political party in a primary election, and a growing number of county parties across Wyoming have declined to make endorsements for that exact reason. 

Barlow sees no reason the state party should be treated differently, according to his campaign. Additionally, the Wyoming Constitution, Article 6, Section 20, requires candidates to swear that they have not violated the law or caused someone else to do so in connection with their election. Participation in, or acceptance of, a party endorsement places an individual at jeopardy of defying this requirement.

“The Republican Party has long been the party of the rule of law, and I intend to hold it to that standard,” Barlow said. “Voters, not a small group at the top of the party, should decide who is worthy of their consideration. That is what free speech and a fair election are supposed to look like, and this process has been anything but transparent with candidates or the public.”

The primary election is Aug. 18.

This story was published on July 15, 2026. 

Ensure These Stories Are Told

Despite the challenges facing independent local journalism, what sustains us — and fills us with deep gratitude — is the loyal support of readers who believe our communities deserve accurate, trusted, and locally rooted news.

It is no exaggeration to say that we are here because of you. Every story we report, every local issue we follow, every public meeting we cover, and every community voice we lift up is made possible by readers who understand the value of an independent newspaper.

Your support does more than fund articles. It helps protect the independence that allows us to report honestly, ask important questions, and keep our community informed without fear or favor.

If you are able, please consider supporting the News Letter Journal by donating to our Unabridged Fund today. Whether your gift helps cover reporting time, printing costs, video, photography, editing, or distribution, every contribution helps keep local journalism strong in Wyoming.

All gifts are deeply appreciated. Your support helps ensure that local stories continue to be told, local decisions continue to be watched, and local voices continue to be heard.

Thank you for standing with independent community journalism.