Wyoming’s outgoing Gov. Mark Gordon endorsed GOP nominee Sen. Barlow for the position early Monday.
Barlow won the Republican nomination Aug. 18 after taking every Wyoming county, over Trump-endorsed Megan Degenfelder and state GOP-endorsed Brent Bien.
He now vies against Democratic Party nominee Ken Casner, and Constitution Party nominee Rebecca Bextel going into the Nov. 3 general election.
“I have known Eric Barlow as a friend, a legislator, and as the veterinarian I called to the ranch whenever we had important cattle work to do,” began Gordon in a Monday statement.
“I have not always agreed with him, but I know he will listen regardless of whether we agree," Gordon said. "He will consider all points of view, think things through, act in a measured, committed, informed, and firmly resolved way and in accordance with his strongly-held conservative values - Wyoming values.”
Gordon pointed to the historic blizzard of 2021, which shut down and wrought damage on the state Capitol.
Barlow helped fix the building.
“Eric was the first to take off his suit coat, grab a shovel, crawl through the attic, and begin clearing the snow before it melted,” recalled Gordon.
“He didn’t wait for custodial staff, he didn’t wonder who would fix it; he rolled up his sleeves and started doing what needed to be done - clearing snow," he said. "That is the Eric I know, a leader, a doer and the one who has my most enthusiastic endorsement. Wyoming needs Eric Barlow now more than ever.”
Barlow in response to the endorsement told Cowboy State Daily, "I appreciate Mark and the work he’s done on behalf of Wyoming citizens, and look forward to success in the election, and to a positive and productive transition."
Bextel said in a text message, "I bet Eric was planning on phoning it in after the primary, now it looks like he needs help. from his friends. This endorsement didn't tell us anything we didn't already know: if you like Governor Gordon, you're gonna love Eric Barlow!"
Barlow declined to respond to her comment.
Casner did not immediately return a Monday morning text message request for comment.
Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.
