We need your help to elect more Democratic candidates across Natrona County and Wyoming as a whole.
With eight Democratic candidates running for state and federal offices and eight Democratic candidates for Natrona County partisan offices, voters will have a clear choice for the first time in years.
Browse this page to view Democratic officials in Wyoming and Democratic candidates in Natrona County.
Want to support Democratic candidates? Consider donating here and getting involved in volunteering here!
Statewide & Federal Democratic Candidates
U.S. Senate
Former State Rep. Jim Byrd
Description
James Byrd is a native son of Wyoming, a man who has spent his life working on the front lines of our state. With a distinguished career spanning business leadership and public service, James brings a deep understanding of the challenges facing our families. His platform is built on the core values of transparency, economic resilience, and the unwavering protection of Wyoming’s unique heritage.
James has proven his ability to deliver results under pressure. He is running for the United States Senate to act as a fierce advocate for our energy independence, rural education, and veteran support services. His vision for the future is as bold as the Wyoming landscape itself, focused on creating a legacy of prosperity for generations to come. Join James in fighting for the heart and soul of Wyoming.

WyoFile 2026 Voter Guide Response
Billy Benavidez
Description
Billy Benavidez works at the Powder Horn Golf Club in Sheridan.
He told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle he is not afraid to take a “wrecking ball” to the politics of Washington, D.C.
“The American people are going to vote for who they like,” Benavidez told the Tribune Eagle. “They want to see someone out of nowhere win and dominate. You can have all the qualifications in the world, but it doesn’t mean diddly-squat if you’re not for the people and by the people.”
Benavidez listed his priorities as dismantling what he calls the “overreaching” government surveillance state, letting a free market drive industry decisions and more public control over public lands.”

U.S. House
Former State Sen. Lisa Kinney
Description
Lisa is a published author, long-time volunteer and past president of the Laramie Area Chamber of Commerce. She was elected to the Wyoming State Senate from Laramie and served for nine years from 1985-1994 where she served as Minority floor leader from 1993-1994.
Lisa Kinney was born and raised in Laramie and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wyoming, her master’s degree from the University of Oregon and her law degree from the University of Wyoming.
Lisa owned the Summit Law Review where she helped new lawyers pass the Bar exam. She has worked at the law offices of Corthell & King as well as the American Heritage Center and served as Director of the Albany County Library where she helped to get a bond issue passed for the new library. For over twenty years, she was employed as a financial advisor for VALIC/AIG/Corebridge where she traveled the state meeting employees in schools, hospitals, cities and counties to assist with their financial planning.
Lisa will represent the people of Wyoming, not Washington. Her priorities are to maintain our public lands, lower health care costs which puts more money in people’s pockets, as well as bringing civility back to Wyoming. She has integrity, is honest and believes that elected officials should not make decisions to increase their wealth while cutting benefits to Wyoming people.
Kinney has created a diverse campaign committee and believes people in Wyoming are important in making future beneficial decisions for Wyoming. “This race is not about me—it is about you. Every vote is critical,” Kinney said.

WyoFile 2026 Voter Guide Response
Elena Del Real
Description
To be updated.
Wyoming Governor
Kenneth Casner
Description
I truly love Wyoming. I was born as a third-generation person in Wyoming. My mother and father were born in Wyoming.
I will talk for the people of Wyoming who we seem to have forgotten, the common working class. We know what the rich class is because we see it every day in Wyoming. That being said, I will not ask for your money. I will run to support all people in Wyoming, every one of you. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor.
I have 27 years military service. I was in the Army National Guard 25 years, and in the active Army, 3 years in Vietnam. I’ve owned a small business since 1998 and I’ve been 28 years, and I know small business inside and out. I’ve also played in politics for over 24 years.

Wyoming Secretary of State
Bryan McCarty
Description
Pro democracy. Pro Constitution. Pro actual law and order. Pro finding common ground and working together.
This is very much a ‘contest every race’ campaign. We can’t just hand elections to ‘them’. Just showing up is literally the least we can do.
Democracy itself. Being guided by such things as the constitution, laws, court rulings, facts, reality, and science.
Finding common ground where we can, when we can, and with whom we can. Case in point is land use. I saw where 80% of voting age Wyomingites agree that public lands should remain public. How about let’s work together towards that end, regardless of party affiliation, instead of squabbling over MAGA hot button ‘issues’?
Governing. I’m already educating myself on the responsibilities of the SoS, for the purpose of administering them responsibly for the people of Wyoming, not to advance the agenda of our felon in chief, as the incumbent has stated is his purpose.

Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction
Sergio Maldonado
Description
Under my Leadership education will not be politicized to the detriment of our students. Every student will receive a quality education in collaboration with Wyoming teachers, the administration, and community input. Wyoming education must not be party-centered but STUDENT CENTERED, STUDENT FOCUSED, with the ultimate goal of affording our students a positive and progressive future.
Our children today, their children and beyond should have an opportunity to enjoy and bask in the richness of an equitably distributed education.
The superintendent must serve as the teachers’ teacher…I know I’m a very good teacher. I’ve been blessed with that talent.
Sergio believes in: local control; public funds for public schools only; education evenly and equitably distributed with love to every child regardless of age, gender, race, class, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

WyoFile 2026 Voter Guide Response
Ana Cordova
Description
I have always been proud of my Western roots, and consistently came back to Wyoming throughout adulthood, and fostered continued relationships with local leaders doing important work, including keeping a finger on the pulse of Wyoming politics and governance.
In my time out of state, I obtained three degrees (BS Biochem, NMSU; MA, Human Genetics, Johns Hopkins SOM; MS, Law, Northwestern) and worked for a variety of education-focused nonprofits. I have led classrooms at Georgetown University’s SOM, developed validated, tested science curricula for middle- and high-school students, and researched how law schools could better support their students in the classroom, on the bar, and as attorneys.
My top priority as superintendent would be to elevate and advocate for public schools in Wyoming. I aim to elevate public schools in Wyoming to a standing where parents no longer seriously consider alternatives because their local public school is the best choice, not the only choice. This means advocating for educators across the state, creating environments that foster learning, and addressing the educating whole child through meaningful opportunities.

Natrona County Democratic Candidates
County Races
Natrona Board of County Commissioners
Candace Machado
Description
My name is Candace Machado and I’m running for Natrona County Commissioner this year.
Yes, you may have heard I’m running as a Democrat! Don’t let that sway your decision about me though. It’s not a word behind the name that makes a person a great candidate. It’s the person, their drive, their determination, their energy, their motivation, their willingness to understand all sides, and their commitment to the position.
I have an associates degree in Psychology, bachelors degree in Psychology, Masters degree in Social Work. I went to college for 7 years with an additional 3 years of certifications to include trauma informed care, School Social Work, Ayurveda Eastern practices, Communications, Yoga, Meditation, Government and Policy.
I have spent the last 20 years working in various fields to include: Substance use facilities, psychiatric hospitals, private practice, marketing, business, school districts, prison settings, and non profits.
I currently own Theraexpressions Meditation and have been the owner for the last 11 years. Theraexpressions Meditation. We focus on person empowerment through mental health support and self reflective guidance. We focus on the whole person through yoga, meditation, and nervous system resets. Being a small business owner in Natrona has been the highlight of my career and has helped shape me as an individual. No greater joy than to see others smiling and working on themselves!
I have sat on and been a part of American Cancer Society, and National Alliance on Mental Illness Casper boards, suicide prevention, along with the Governors Mental Health Council discussions.
The last almost 5 1/2 years I had served on Evansville town council, voted in as Council President, and became the Mayor. Under my mayoral time of 21 months, with the help of others, We secured a 9 million dollar grant for Mesa Energy, Finished the 1 million dollar park playground! I spent time actually building parts of that playground. Finished the towns very first animal shelter. Worked on and put into effect code of ethics for elected officials, supported peer to peer employee mental health services and trainings, supported the start of Casper Senior center food bank in Evansville with community services kick off, continued discussions about the towns water rights, kept a balanced budget with savings in the accounts, supported good town employee benefits, continued the side walk projects, testified on women’s rights and squatters laws, and I was the first town mayor who visibly created diversity and inclusion for the community. These are just a few things that were completed during my time as a Mayor.
I was once told I have more energy than 90 percent of people and if I look back on my time I have managed to get a lot done in a short amount of time. At times it came with scrutiny and it wasn’t easy but above all it turned into progress.
I look forward to bringing that same motivation and energy into this campaign season. Vote for me for Natrona County Commissioner!
Machado believes in: Citizen Involvement; Protecting Public Lands; Community Mental Health Resources; Government Transparency; Economic Development; Human Rights; Diversity and Collaboration Across Parties; Affordable Housing Resources; Fiscal Responsibility

Oil City News 2026 Voter Guide Response
Lisa Jamieson
Description
My maternal great- grandparents came to Wyoming from Sweden. August and Ida Anderson won a lottery in 1906 for a homestead on Badwater Creek near Shoshoni. August worked for the railroad. Sadly, they lost their house to a flood in 1923. The homestead site is now under water, part of Boysen Reservoir.
I completed my electrical apprenticeship in 2009. This opened up opportunities to work as a journeyman electrician, electrical project coordinator, and electrical estimator. I am a member of IBEW LU 322. I have an Associate of Applied Science in Electronics Technology from Casper College. I attended Natrona County public schools K-12, graduating from Kelly Walsh High School.
Natrona County is a nice place to live. Natrona County is a nice place to grow up. Let’s keep it that way. Good neighbors contribute their fair share. Good neighbors clean up after themselves. Good neighbors might be homeowners, renters, small businesses, or large industrial sites. Each has rights and responsibilities, and each deserves respect and consideration.
My priorities are:
- Protect our public lands
- Maintain our infrastructure
- Fund public safety
- Invest in our children

State Legislative Races
House District 36
Stewart McAdoo
Description
My main goals are to support our local businesses and workers, the men and women who bring a strengthened economy that spread throughout the community and lift boats for all people. One of the foundational pillars to a successful community is the local economy and I intend to put the men and women of Casper front and center when it comes to policy decisions that are made.
I intend to help make government accountable, by focusing my efforts on keeping transparent and doing what the people of Casper may elect me to do. I am stepping forward to serve, not to make politics a career, to make your community better for all that you represent.
I am not here to grandstand. I am here to roll my sleeves up and put in the work. I am here to serve you as citizens of Casper and represent you on your behalf. While we may not always agree and align, I intend to serve with integrity, honor, and morality front and center.

House District 37
Betsy Erickson
Description
I am running for the Wyoming State House because I believe in truth, integrity, and doing what is right. Too often, laws have been passed that conflict with the Wyoming Constitution. The most important job of a legislator is to uphold our Constitution—and if we can’t do that, then what is the point?
If elected, I will take my oath of office seriously. The people of Wyoming deserve lawmakers they can trust to follow the law and respect our rights.
I love Wyoming. This is my home. I’ve lived here for 36 years, and I’m raising my children here. I can’t sit back and wait for someone else to make Wyoming better—it’s time for me to step up and be part of the solution.
It’s time for the next generation of Wyomingites to take the reins and build the future we want to see. My promise is to represent you with integrity, honesty, and a clear vision for Wyoming’s future.

WyoFile 2026 Voter Guide Response
House District 38
Catherine McQueen
Description
I am Catherine D. McQueen, a lifelong Democrat, longtime Casper resident, and former precinct committeewoman. After the loss of my husband, I raised three children in Wyoming while working hard to provide for my family and build a better future. Today, my children have successful careers, and I am proud that they learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and service to others.
I am running because I believe government should work for everyday people. Wyoming needs leaders who listen, who understand the challenges families face, and who are willing to work across differences to find practical solutions. My life experience, community involvement, and commitment to public service have prepared me to be a strong advocate for the people of House District 38.
Wyoming faces several significant challenges, including affordable housing, access to healthcare, workforce development, and ensuring our economy remains strong for future generations. Many families are feeling the impact of rising costs while communities work to attract and retain workers and young families.
As a legislator, I would focus on practical policies that help create jobs, expand housing opportunities, support small businesses, and invest in education and workforce training. I believe we must prepare Wyoming’s workforce for the jobs of tomorrow while supporting the industries that have long been the foundation of our economy. I will listen to constituents, work collaboratively with others, and support solutions that strengthen Wyoming families and communities for the long term.

House District 57
Luc Colgrove
Description
I’m Luc Colgrove. Lifelong Casper resident. Entrepreneur. Stagehand. Nonprofit founder. The guy who noticed the torn flag and wouldn’t shut up about it.
I grew a local business from $17,000 to over $750,000 in annual sales. I helped save a summer concert series and turned it into a nonprofit so it could stay in the community. Check the business filings. I’ve delivered pizzas through intersections that were broken then and are broken now. I’ve been without health insurance and relied on Healthcare for the Homeless. I’ve lived the consequences of policy choices made in Cheyenne.
Now I’m running for the Wyoming House to represent the 70% of eligible voters who’ve been waiting for a reason to show up. The 70% aren’t absent. They’re waiting. Let’s give them a reason.

House District 58
Keenan Morgan
Description
I am a lifelong Natrona County resident, Casper College and University of Wyoming alum, committed hard worker, and young person with a Wyoming First, Wyoming Forward vision.
I’m running because I believe in empowering a new generation. We need a Wyoming vision of progress, principles, and passion in politics. I think we need change in leadership to accomplish this.
I believe in listening to the community, leading with integrity, and fighting for pro-active and people-centered solutions. I believe in accountability and looking out for those among us who are struggling. I recognize that issues are rarely simply black and white, and understanding nuance is required to make real change last. That is why I believe in telling the truth as I understand it — always. I’m committed to working on real, lasting solutions that move our state forward, not throwing out buzzwords and empty promises to see what sticks. That is why I believe in practical leadership.
We should expect nothing less of our leaders.
This is what real representation looks like. Pushing the needle while staying true to who and what matters — you, your interests, and Wyoming’s future.
Decisions are made by those who show up. Whether or not you decide to vote for me in this race, if elected, I will always try my best to do right by you.

WyoFile 2026 Voter Guide Response
House District 59
Laurie Longtine
Description
I attended public schools and worked right here in Natrona County for most of my life. My roots go back generations to homesteaders. The history, resources, and communities that make up Wyoming are what have formed my beliefs and values. My experience both working and volunteering has helped me develop leadership and management skills that I believe will help me in working with legislators in Cheyenne to craft policies that will help Wyoming families.
Wyoming’s strong support for public education, public lands, and our “be neighborly but respect each other’s privacy” attitude are a big part of what creates opportunity in Wyoming. Challenges to public education funding, public lands, and personal liberties all need to be addressed.
Public land is an essential part of Wyoming’s character. Many people choose to live in Wyoming because of the unequaled access to public lands. With tourism being the number two driver of Wyoming’s economy, protecting public lands is essential.

This section will be updated throughout the 2026 election season.
Click here to learn more about getting involved and running for office.
Wyoming State Officials
State Senators

Sen. Mike Gierau – SD17
Minority Floor Leader

Sen. Chris Rothfuss – SD09
Minority Floor Whip
State House Representatives

Rep. Mike Yin – HD16
Minority Floor Leader

Rep. Karlee Provenza – HD45
Minority Whip

Rep. Trey Sherwood – HD14
Minority Caucus Chair



