Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon Announces He Will Not Seek a Third Term

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon announced in mid-April 2026 that he would not seek a third term as governor, a decision that had been the subject of speculation for months. The announcement came as candidate filing opened in late May 2026 for Wyoming's gubernatorial race, in which Republicans Sen. Eric Barlow, Brent Bien, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder had already declared candidacies. Gordon's tenure as governor spans eight years, and Wyoming law generally limits governors to two terms, though the Wyoming Supreme Court has previously ruled term limits on some top elected positions in the state unconstitutional, leaving open legal questions about whether such limits could be challenged. Following his announcement, Gordon said he would continue working with the Wyoming Legislature and Wyoming communities through the remainder of his term, citing what he called a solid legislative and budget session. He planned a series of community visits across the state from June through fall to discuss topics including property tax protections, local control, and stewardship of the state's wildlife, land, and water, as well as support for core industries and economic growth. Gordon had earlier expressed being saddened by legislative budget cuts, including reductions to the SUN Bucks summer food program for children, and subsequently signed an executive order to begin delivering food benefits to Wyoming families starting in June. He delivered his final State of the State address before the Wyoming Legislature in February 2026. As of early June 2026, Gordon confirmed he will not run for any political office in 2026, resolving earlier ambiguity about whether he might pursue a U.S. House or Senate seat instead of the governorship. He said in April he had no current intention to endorse a candidate in the Republican gubernatorial primary, though this stance was not confirmed by multiple sources and remains unresolved. Gordon is set to step down from office in January 2027 at the end of his term. Separately, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers also announced in July 2025 that he would not seek a third term, opening a competitive 2026 race in that state, though this is a distinct and unrelated development.