Wyoming Gubernatorial Race Heats Up: Freedom Caucus Challenges Eric Barlow’s Conservative Record

Wyoming State Senator Eric Barlow, a Republican and Marine Corps veteran who previously served as Speaker of the state House, has officially entered the Wyoming gubernatorial race. His campaign emphasizes “strong, respectful leadership rooted in service, not politics,” according to his official website.

Barlow has served in the state Senate since 2023 after multiple terms in the state House. However, his candidacy has already drawn criticism from State Representative Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, chair of the conservative Wyoming Freedom Caucus, who claimed Barlow is not “conservative enough” for the state.

“If the last two election cycles in Wyoming have taught us anything, it’s that Wyomingites want real, conservative leadership,” she said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Senator Barlow isn’t conservative enough for Wyoming… he’s a liberal Republican who loves big government.”

Rodriguez-Williams accused Barlow of pushing increased state spending, opposing state sovereignty, sponsoring “woke” legislation, and failing to protect individual rights during Governor Mark Gordon’s COVID lockdowns while serving as House Speaker.

Eric Barlow Pushes Back, Defending His Conservative Record

In response, Barlow rejected the criticism, insisting his record proves he is “a conservative Republican.”

“Wyoming’s challenges are too important for us to get bogged down in personal attacks. People are tired of the ‘us versus them’ debate and want leadership that brings folks together,” Barlow said, vowing to focus on building Wyoming up rather than engaging in smear campaigns.

Barlow highlighted his defense of Second Amendment rights, the sanctity of life, private property rights, and safeguarding public lands as examples of his conservative principles. He stressed that his campaign is “about ensuring Wyoming remains strong, free, and prosperous for future generations” and called for “honest, respectful debate” on the state’s future.

The Wyoming gubernatorial election is set for next year. Current Governor Mark Gordon, a Republican, has served since 2019