For Senator Eric Barlow, running for governor isn’t about personal ambition; it’s about service. After nearly 14 years in the Wyoming Legislature and two decades in state service, Barlow said he felt the time was right to take on a new role where he could “make the next difference” for the state he’s always called home.
“Like a lot of people, I love Wyoming,” Barlow said. “I’ve served the state in a variety of ways, on the livestock board, in the Legislature, and now, I want to continue that work at the next level.”
Born and raised in Wyoming, Barlow is a fourth-generation resident with deep ties to agriculture and community service. His background as a rancher and veterinarian, he said, has shaped his understanding of the state’s people and their priorities.
“I’m a husband and father of two great Wyoming kids who are still here,” he said. “We care about the land, our neighbors, and our freedom. That’s what Wyoming is about, independence, honesty, and hard work.”
Barlow’s journey through public service began on the Wyoming Livestock Board before moving into the Legislature, where he served as Speaker of the House and Majority Leader. Over those years, he sponsored more than 60 bills, most inspired by concerns or ideas brought forward by his constituents.
“I’ve always believed in showing up, listening, learning, and then doing the work,” he said. “Every one of those bills came from someone in my community saying, ‘Hey, this isn’t right,’ or, ‘Can you fix this?”
He described his legislative philosophy as relationship-centered, emphasizing respect and cooperation across party lines.
“When I ran for Speaker, I told my colleagues that effectiveness comes from relationships and caring about the institution,” Barlow said. “If you have those relationships, you can get good things done.”
One moment that stands out from his leadership came during a four-hour committee meeting that drew more than 100 citizens to testify on a controversial issue.
“They didn’t all agree on the outcome,” he said. “But they all got heard. That’s what matters. People want to know their voices count.”
If elected governor, Barlow said his top priorities would center around government efficiency, economic vitality, and thriving communities.
“The governor’s job is to make sure state government is as efficient as possible,” he said. “At the same time, we need a robust economy that lets young people stay here, raise families, and build careers.”
Barlow said that means working with both local governments and private industries to support growth while maintaining Wyoming’s values of self-reliance and conservation.
“Government’s role is limited,” he said, “but we can help communities and industries by listening to what they need, whether it’s infrastructure, workforce support, or housing, and working together to find solutions.”
Balancing the needs of rural and urban areas, he said, starts with connection. “I’ve been traveling across Wyoming, Kemmerer, Rollins, Evanston, Mountain View, asking local leaders, ‘What can we do to help you?’ That’s how good policy starts.”
Barlow spoke with pride about Wyoming’s public education system and the University of Wyoming, which he called a cornerstone of the state’s future.
“We couldn’t be more proud of our one university,” he said. “My father and daughter are both alumni, and I’ll always support education at every level, from K-12 to community colleges to UW.”
But Barlow said one of the state’s greatest challenges lies in retaining young people after graduation. “Seventy percent of Wyoming students who go to college end up leaving the state by age 30,” he said. “That’s something we need to change.”
He sees greater youth engagement in government as part of the solution. “It’s desperate need,” Barlow said. “Your generation is the future of Wyoming. You have to stay informed, get involved, and find where you can make a difference.”
He encourages young people to start small, volunteering, joining local councils, or even helping at community events. “That’s how you build leadership,” he said. “Our kids started volunteering at a local soup kitchen, and now one works in public policy 25 years later.”
Barlow said Wyoming’s biggest hurdles, from housing shortages to economic diversification, will require collective problem-solving.
“Anytime that’s a challenge in Wyoming isn’t going to be solved by one person,” he said. “It’s going to take collaboration between communities, industries, and government.”
When asked how he would ensure his policies reflect the needs of diverse communities, Barlow returned to the theme of listening. “Communities have different needs and resources,” he said. “The executive branch’s job is to make sure every community has the opportunity to succeed, not to hold them back.”
Barlow credits much of his leadership growth to his time in the Legislature. “Life is about relationships,” he said. “When relationships are strong, we can accomplish meaningful things for people. When they break down, it’s harder to move forward.”
Asked what sets him apart from other candidates, Barlow was direct but humble. “I don’t know what the other candidates are running on,” he said. “I just know I care about Wyoming, its people, and its future. That’s what guides me.”
Barlow also reflected on his college years at Colorado State University, where he earned his degree in veterinary medicine. Laughing, he said, “You didn’t have to throw that in there!”
He noted that education, whether in a classroom or through experience, opens doors. “I didn’t need a diploma to hang on the wall,” he said. “I needed a vocation, something that would let me serve others. Education gives you opportunities, and it’s not just for college students. Trade schools and other paths matter too.”
When asked what he hopes people remember most about his campaign, Barlow kept his answer simple: service.
“I’m here to serve Wyoming and build a future that the next generations can be proud of,” he said.
From his time on the livestock board to leading in the state legislature, Sen. Eric Barlow’s path reflects a steady commitment to listening, learning, and serving. As he continues his campaign for governor, his focus remains on collaboration, not politics, and ensuring that Wyoming’s strength endures through its people, its communities, and its enduring values of hard work and independence.
