2018 Wyoming gubernatorial election

2018 Wyoming gubernatorial election

← 2014 November 6, 2018 2022 →
Turnout73.45% registered Increase 10.08%
41.16% of total population Increase 7.16%
 
Nominee Mark Gordon Mary Throne
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 136,412 55,965
Percentage 67.12% 27.54%

Gordon:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Throne:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
     No votes

Governor before election

Matt Mead
Republican

Elected Governor

Mark Gordon
Republican

The 2018 Wyoming gubernatorial election took place on November 6, 2018, to elect the governor of Wyoming. Incumbent Republican governor Matt Mead was term-limited and could not seek a third consecutive term. Republican nominee Mark Gordon defeated Democratic nominee Mary Throne by nearly 40 percentage points.[1]

This was the only time since 1978 that a candidate from the President's party was elected governor of Wyoming.

Republican primary

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Candidates

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Nominated

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Declared

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Withdrew

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Endorsements

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Foster Friess
Federal officials
State legislators
Individuals
Organizations
Sam Galeotos
Federal elected officials
State legislators
Individuals
  • Ray Hunkins, Republican nominee for Governor in 2006
Mark Gordon
Federal elected officials
State elected officials
State legislators
Individuals
Organizations
Harriet Hageman
State legislators

Polling

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Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size
Margin
of error
Foster
Friess
Sam
Galeotos
Mark
Gordon
Harriet
Hageman
Taylor
Haynes
Other Undecided
University of Wyoming August 17–19, 2018 357 20% 10% 26% 18% 9% 1%[35] 15%
The Trafalgar Group (R) August 11–14, 2018 1,775 ± 2.4% 21% 10% 20% 16% 6% 8%[36] 20%
University of Wyoming June 18–20, 2018 596 ± 4.0% 6% 14% 19% 11% 10% 1%[35] 35%

Results

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Results by county:
  Gordon—50–60%
  Gordon—40–50%
  Gordon—30–40%
  Gordon—<30%
  Friess—<30%
  Friess—30–40%
  Hageman—<30%
  Hageman—30–40%
  Hageman—40–50%
Republican primary results[37]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Mark Gordon 38,951 33.0
Republican Foster Friess 29,842 25.3
Republican Harriet Hageman 25,052 21.2
Republican Sam Galeotos 14,554 12.3
Republican Taylor Haynes 6,511 5.5
Republican Bill Dahlin 1,763 1.5
n/a Under votes 1,269 1.1
Republican Write-ins 113 0.0
n/a Over votes 46 0.0
Total votes 118,101 100.0

Democratic primary

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Candidates

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Nominated

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Declared

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  • Ken Casner, candidate for governor in 2002[40]
  • Michael Allen Green, nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000[40]
  • Rex Wilde, candidate for governor in 2010[40]

Declined

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Endorsements

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Mary Throne
Federal executive officers
State executive officers
State legislators
Individuals
  • Mickey Babcock, Wyoming activist and Founder/Director of The Equipoise Fund[47]
  • Ryan Greene, author, businessman, and nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016[48]
Organizations
  • Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce[49]
  • Wyoming Education Association[50]
Newspapers

Results

[edit]
Results by county:
  Throne—80–90%
  Throne—70–80%
  Throne—60–70%
  Throne—50–60%
Democratic primary results[37]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Mary Throne 12,948 66.5
Democratic Michael Green 2,391 12.3
n/a Under votes 1,385 7.1
Democratic Kenneth Casner 1,213 6.2
Democratic Rex Wilde 1,201 6.2
Democratic Write-ins 323 1.7
n/a Over votes 13 0.0
Total votes 19,474 100.0

Independents and third parties

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Candidates

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Declared

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General election

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Debates

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Predictions

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Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[52] Safe R October 26, 2018
The Washington Post[53] Safe R November 5, 2018
FiveThirtyEight[54] Safe R November 5, 2018
Rothenberg Political Report[55] Safe R November 1, 2018
Sabato's Crystal Ball[56] Safe R November 5, 2018
RealClearPolitics[57] Safe R November 4, 2018
Daily Kos[58] Safe R November 5, 2018
Fox News[59][a] Likely R November 5, 2018
Politico[60] Safe R November 5, 2018
Governing[61] Safe R November 5, 2018
Notes
  1. ^ The Fox News Midterm Power Rankings uniquely does not contain a category for Safe/Solid races

Polling

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Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size
Margin
of error
Mark
Gordon (R)
Mary
Throne (D)
Rex
Rammell (C)
Lawrence
Struempf (L)
Undecided
Change Research November 2–4, 2018 858 61% 27% 6% 4%

Results

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State Senate results
Wyoming gubernatorial election, 2018[62]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Mark Gordon 136,412 67.12% +7.73%
Democratic Mary Throne 55,965 27.54% +0.29%
Constitution Rex Rammell 6,751 3.32% N/A
Libertarian Lawrence Struempf 3,010 1.48% −0.93%
Write-in 1,100 0.54% -4.52%
Total votes 203,238 100.00% N/A
Republican hold

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ Reynolds, Nick (November 7, 2018). "Wyoming governor-elect Gordon outlines vision for his first year in office". Casper Star-Tribune. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
  2. ^ Hancock, Laura (June 29, 2016). "Lummis not ruling out run for governor". Wyoming Tribune Eagle. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  3. ^ a b c Funk, Joel (September 20, 2017). "GOP candidate for Wyoming governor remains unclear". Wyoming Tribune Eagle. Retrieved September 20, 2017.
  4. ^ "State Treasurer Says He Plans to Run for Wyoming Governor". U.S. News & World Report. February 20, 2018. Retrieved February 20, 2018.
  5. ^ "Bill Dahlin Announces Candidacy For Wyoming Governor". Wyo 4 News. July 25, 2017. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
  6. ^ Sniffin, Bill (August 7, 2017). "The Wild, Wild 2018 Race for Governor is Already Starting to Heat Up in State". Sheridan Media. Archived from the original on August 7, 2017. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
  7. ^ "GOP megadonor Friess to run for Wyoming governor". Politico. April 20, 2018. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
  8. ^ "Cheyenne businessman studies run for governor". Gillette News-Record. February 15, 2018. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
  9. ^ "Cheyenne attorney to join GOP primary battle for governor". Wyoming Tribune Eagle. January 6, 2018. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  10. ^ a b c d e Hancock, Laura (April 15, 2017). "Race to the top: Potential candidates dip toes into governor's race". Casper Star-Tribune. Retrieved April 16, 2017.
  11. ^ Randall, Doug (January 29, 2018). "Haynes believes his time has come in Wyoming's governor race". KGAB. Retrieved January 29, 2018.
  12. ^ "'I'm Wyoming's Donald Trump': Rex Rammell enters governor's race on libertarian right". Sidney Herald. January 3, 2018. Retrieved January 4, 2018.[permanent dead link]
  13. ^ a b "Rex Rammell to run as third-party candidate, guaranteeing appearance in general election". Casper Star-Tribune. May 10, 2018. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  14. ^ Strauss, Daniel. "'We'll see whether you can really buy a governor's race'". Politico.
  15. ^ Santorum, Rick (August 18, 2018). ".@FosterFriess will be a great governor. Wyomingites please vote this Tuesday for this good man who has soared to the top of the polls w/o saying an unkind word. He has been 100% positive in his campaign and will be as governor. #civility".
  16. ^ Trump, Donald J. [@realDonaldTrump] (August 21, 2018). "To the incredible people of the Great State of Wyoming: Go VOTE TODAY for Foster Friess – He will be a fantastic Governor! Strong on Crime, Borders & 2nd Amendment. Loves our Military & our Vets. He has my complete and total Endorsement!" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 10, 2019 – via Twitter.
  17. ^ "Former legislator supports Friess". Green River Star. August 8, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  18. ^ @kimguilfoyle (August 21, 2018). "Ο χρήστης Kimberly Guilfoyle στο Twitter: "Foster is a true patriot, humble servant, and generous supporter of the #MAGA movement. Loved meeting him in Iowa, we need more leaders like him. Get out and vote for him Wyoming! 🇺🇸" (Tweet). Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 30, 2022 – via Twitter.
  19. ^ Kashuv, Kyle [@KyleKashuv] (May 11, 2018). "If you support the 2nd amendment and you live in Wyoming, @FosterFriess is your guy. He's been a great friend of the 2A" (Tweet). Retrieved May 16, 2018 – via Twitter.
  20. ^ Kirk, Charlie (August 20, 2018). "Tomorrow is election day in Wyoming My dear friend @FosterFriess is running for governor and in a super close race to win the primary He wrote the first $10,000 check to get @TPUSA started and as they say "the rest is history" Foster is a patriot and deserves your vote".
  21. ^ "Latest poll shows Jacksonite Foster Friess leads race for Governor". Buckrail. August 15, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  22. ^ Samuels, Brett (August 5, 2018). "Trump Jr. backs Wyoming businessman in gubernatorial primary". The Hill.
  23. ^ "FRC Action PAC Announces Endorsement of Foster Friess for Governor of Wyoming". Retrieved August 11, 2018.
  24. ^ "Citizens Fund Endorses Foster Friess in WY Governor's Race". Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved August 11, 2018.
  25. ^ "Foster Friess". www.facebook.com.
  26. ^ a b c d "Lummis endorses Galeotos for governor, says Cheyenne businessman can 'downsize' Wyoming". KPVI. April 26, 2018. Archived from the original on April 26, 2018. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  27. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an "More than 40 Wyo. leaders stand with Mark Gordon for Governor". Oil City News. August 20, 2018. Archived from the original on August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
  28. ^ a b c d e f g "Mark Gordon Announces Statewide Campaign Committee". Gordon for Wyoming. May 24, 2018.[permanent dead link]
  29. ^ "Will Hageman's attack tactics help or hurt her bid for Wyoming governor?". Billings Gazette. August 13, 2018.
  30. ^ "Small Business PAC Endorses Mark Gordon for Governor". NFIB. October 1, 2018.
  31. ^ "Scott Clem Endorsement". Facebook. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
  32. ^ "Mark Jennings Endorsement". Facebook. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
  33. ^ "Scott: GOP gubernatorial leaders all excellent choices". Casper Star-Tribune. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
  34. ^ "Cheri Steinmetz Endorsement". Facebook. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  35. ^ a b Bill Dahlin 1%
  36. ^ Bill Dahlin 2%, 6% "voted early."
  37. ^ a b Statewide Election Results
  38. ^ Funk, Joel (August 27, 2017). "Former Wyoming lawmaker Mary Throne announces bid for governor". Wyoming Tribune Eagle. Retrieved August 27, 2017.
  39. ^ Greenwald, Joy (August 25, 2017). "Throne Launches Campaign for Wyoming Governor". KGAB. Retrieved August 27, 2017.
  40. ^ a b c "2018 Primary Election Candidate Roster" (PDF). Wyoming Secretary of State. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  41. ^ Rosenfeld, Arno (February 9, 2018). "First Republican enters race for Wyoming secretary of state". Casper Star-Tribune. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  42. ^ Rosenfeld, Arno (August 25, 2017). "Throne enters Wyoming gov. race with support of Greene, consolidating Democratic field". Casper Star-Tribune. Retrieved August 28, 2017.
  43. ^ "Businessman to run for mayor". Rock Springs Daily Rocket-Miner. April 3, 2018. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
  44. ^ "Democrat Gary Trauner Announces Bid for Wyoming U.S. Senate". U.S. News & World Report. December 8, 2017. Retrieved December 8, 2017.
  45. ^ "Democrat shindig this weekend sells out fast, training sessions full – Buckrail, Jackson Hole News". buckrail.com. February 23, 2018. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
  46. ^ "We have some exciting news! Mary is officially announcing that she is running to be the next Governor of Wyoming. Tune in now!". Mary Throne for Governor. August 26, 2017. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
  47. ^ a b c "Mickey Babcock – Rep. Mike and Paty Gierau, Rep. Andy Schwartz cordially invite you to a fundraising reception to support the election of Mary Throne, Candidate for Governor of Wyoming on Thursday, November 9th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM". Teton County Democrats. October 24, 2017. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  48. ^ a b Rosenfeld, Arno (October 10, 2017). "A Wyoming Democrat in an increasingly polarized country, Throne faces uphill battle for governor". Casper Star-Tribune. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
  49. ^ Randall, Doug (July 7, 2018). "GREATER CHEYENNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ENDORSES CANDIDATES". KGAB. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
  50. ^ Klamann, Seth (July 7, 2018). "Casper lawmakers mostly miss out on Wyoming Education Association endorsements". Casper Star-Tribune. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
  51. ^ "Throne is obvious, clear choice for Democrats in governor's race". Wyoming Tribune Eagle. July 8, 2018. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
  52. ^ "2018 Governor Race Ratings for October 26, 2018". The Cook Political Report. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  53. ^ "The Washington Post's gubernatorial race ratings". The Washington Post. October 16, 2018.
  54. ^ "2018 Governor Forecast | FiveThirtyEight". FiveThirtyEight. October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  55. ^ "2018 Gubernatorial Ratings | Inside Elections". insideelections.com. Retrieved November 15, 2017.
  56. ^ "Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball » 2018 Governor". www.centerforpolitics.org. Retrieved November 15, 2017.
  57. ^ "2018 Governor Races". RealClearPolitics. October 9, 2018.
  58. ^ "2018 Governor Race Ratings". Daily Kos. June 5, 2018.
  59. ^ "2018 Midterm Power Ranking". Fox News. October 23, 2022.
  60. ^ "Politico Race Ratings". Politico.
  61. ^ "2018 Governor Elections: As November Nears, More Governors' Races Become Tossups". www.governing.com. Archived from the original on October 21, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  62. ^ Statewide Candidates soswy.state.wy.us
[edit]
Official campaign websites