U.S. Sen. John Barrasso is on his way to representing Wyoming for another six years.
On Tuesday, Barrasso won his primary election over opponents Reid Rasner and John Holtz in his bid for a fourth term in office. Barrasso has held the Senate seat since 2007, when he was first appointed. He was elected in his first campaign in 2008.
Barrasso received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump in March, and, over the weekend, Trump doubled down on that endorsement.
If he wins his general election bid as expected, Barrasso is planning on running for the Senate Whip position, the No. 3 seat in the U.S. Senate.
Barrasso has become a national figure and one of the most senior members of Congress.
He had long been viewed the frontrunner from the outset and had outraised his opponents by a significant margin. From 2023 to 2024, his campaign raised $6.3 million.
He has been a staunch advocate for Wyoming’s energy industry since being elected into office. He’s also been very critical of President Joe Biden’s energy stances and his self-described “Bidenomics” policies, which Barrasso has blamed for ongoing inflation.
Rasner, a Mills resident, ran a campaign that raised many eyebrows for his brash approach, particularly when considering his lack of experience in Wyoming politics. Still, he campaigned extensively around the state since he entered the race in August 2023, even earning endorsements from a few local officials.
Holtz is a Laramie attorney who ran for U.S. Senate in 2020.
Barrasso thanked voters in a press release Tuesday night for supporting him in the Republican primary.
"Thank you, Wyoming! I am grateful for your overwhelming vote of confidence," he said. "I will continue to fight for every vote this November. Together we can restore a Republican majority in Washington and secure a better future for hard-working Wyoming families."
Leo Wolfson can be reached at leo@cowboystatedaily.com.
