AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Wyoming’s state primary

Wyoming voters will select nominees in a record number of open-seat races during Tuesday's state primary. This outcome is largely due to two prominent Republican officials, Gov. Mark Gordon and U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, announcing their retirements. The primary will also feature an open seat for Wyoming Secretary of State and state Superintendent of Public Instruction, both of which are currently held by Republicans.

The races for Wyoming's governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House seats are all open, with no incumbents running. Four candidates are contending for the Republican nomination to succeed Gordon, while five Republicans are vying for Lummis' Senate seat. Additionally, nine Republican candidates are competing for Hageman's open congressional seat.

The upcoming primary marks the first time in 32 years that Wyoming has had open gubernatorial, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House races simultaneously. All statewide elected offices in Wyoming are currently held by Republicans. Gordon ruled out seeking a third term and challenging term limit laws. Four candidates are now vying for the Republican nomination to replace him, with Degenfelder and Barlow on relatively equal financial footing.

Degenfelder has raised approximately $1.3 million, while Barlow has raised about $1.2 million. Brent Bien has raised around $192,000, and Curt Blake, who has raised no money, is also in the race. President Donald Trump has endorsed Degenfelder.

The winner of the gubernatorial primary will face Democrat Kenneth Casner in the November general election. Among the five Republicans running to replace Lummis in the U.S. Senate are Hageman, former Mayor Sam Mead, and former environmental services business owner Jimmy Skovgard. Hageman, who was Trump's pick in 2022, has raised nearly $2.4 million, far surpassing her closest competitor, Sam Mead.

Nine Republican candidates are competing for the congressional seat held by Hageman, including Jillian Balow, Senate President Bo Biteman, Steve Friess, Reid Rasner, and Chuck Gray. Friess, Rasner, and Gray have significantly outspent the rest of the field, thanks to substantial loans they have provided to their campaigns.