Wyoming must elect trustworthy candidates ready to lead

Running for office is a big undertaking. Beyond the logistical challenges of running a campaign, it requires candidates to be vulnerable in a way that most of us will never experience. Candidates must be willing to stand before their fellow citizens, express their ideas and values and submit to the decision of their fellow voters. Results are public. There is no hiding when you stand for public office. 

This is not a decision that should be taken lightly. It requires an investment of time and effort, and usually a fair bit of money. A serious candidate will often spend years preparing and ensuring that the decision to run is the right one. I have found that the best candidates often enter the race reluctantly. It is exciting to run, but those who know what they are in for often feel their excitement mix with dread for the burden they are taking on. 

For the past several years, I have considered whether running for office would be right for me. I care deeply about Wyoming and her future. I look at our state and see the need for new leaders to step forward. There comes a time when you must answer the call.

When I seriously began thinking about public service, one of the first things I did was take stock of our state’s challenges, my own strengths and interests and where I might be most useful. I spent a good deal of time discussing my ideas with friends, colleagues and those I considered like-minded. A common thread emerged: I should seriously consider running for governor. 

So, I seriously considered it. I spoke with current and former officeholders, political professionals and community leaders. I received far more encouragement and support than I expected, and it soon became clear that this idea was not just a pipe dream. While not a front-runner, I found myself in the position of a dark horse that other potential candidates had to take seriously. One of the most important questions you must ask yourself when making these decisions is whether there is a legitimate path to victory. As I went through this process, I saw a path. It was a narrow path, but a path nonetheless. 

However, just because there is a path does not necessarily mean it is the right one. Beyond just the willingness and the opportunity, there are other important things to consider. Am I willing to take on the responsibility that comes with running this race? Am I willing to subject my family to that experience? If I win, what do I want to accomplish? Am I prepared? Is this the right season of life to try this? These and a million other questions all must be answered.

Ultimately, as I made my decision, two questions rose to the top. First, would I be willing to ask those around me to take up the burden that comes with my running for office and second, would running make it more or less likely that Wyoming would have effective leadership? Based on the answers to these questions, I determined that now was not the time for me to throw my name in the ring. 

But just because I am not running for governor in 2026 does not mean I will not be involved in the process. I have asked the same questions of others considering the race, and because I believe our state’s leadership is important, I will be doing all I can to support the candidate I believe is best equipped to lead our state. I hope others will do the same.  With that said, this column is not where I intend to make my political endorsements. My voice is my own, and other than this note here, I will not be commenting directly on the race in my regular columns. 

All my fellow citizens should participate in this process. We all should be asking the questions I was asking of myself when I considered a run. What do I have to offer? What is my vision for the future? How can I contribute? If we all take these questions seriously, I am confident we will make the right choices. But make no mistake, elections have consequences. The decisions we make about our leaders today will shape our future. The next year will see many conversations about our state’s direction. Let us choose the leaders who deserve our trust.