WRIGHT — As state Sen. Eric Barlow, R-Gillette, announced his candidacy for Wyoming governor Tuesday afternoon , there were already hints he expects the gloves to be off leading up to the Republican primary in August 2026.

It started with the opening prayer given by Pastor Dan Morgan of High Plains Community Church.

He prayed for Barlow and his family to be strong enough to withstand potential smear campaigns from opponents, including “lies” and “attacks” intended to misinform voters.

Before the event started on the front lawn of the Wright Centennial Museum, Barlow said he’s heard the criticism before that some Republicans aren’t “conservative enough.”

A former U.S. Marine, Barlow said he doesn’t buy that, instead saying instead that the real measurement of effective leadership is g

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