Laramie Live · Doug Randall · August 27, 2026
The Teton County political activist involved in the ''Checkgate" controversy in the Wyoming Legislature earlier this year has launched a website promoting her run for Governor of Wyoming on the Constitution Party ticket.
Rebecca Bextel said in May that she would actively campaign for governor if Eric Barlow won the GOP Primary. On Thursday morning, her campaign put out a news release which included the following:
"I said several months ago that if Eric Barlow wins the Republican nomination, he will lead our state further to the left. Although he calls himself a Republican, he has repeatedly sided with Medicaid expansion, government-directed economic development, and increases in the size of government. Barlow has advocated for removing our alliance on fossil fuels and has three times voted against banning sanctuary cities." Said Bextel. "Wyoming deserves someone who will govern like a conservative, not just campaign as one."
Bextel is facing Barlow and Democrat Ken Casner in the November 3 General election.
Bextel handed out campaign contributions on the floor of the House to several conservative House members on Feb. 9. The House was not in session at the time and she maintained there was nothing wrong with distributing the checks in person rather than mailing them. A House investigative committee found no wrongdoing in the incident.
Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak announced a criminal investigation of the incident, but at last report no charges had been announced.
Bextel Outlines Plan For First 100 Days In Office
The news release laid out these goals for her first 100 days in office if she is elected:
* Review executive agencies, boards, and commissions to eliminate waste and duplication.
* Freeze or publicly scrutinize discretionary grants and taxpayer-funded giveaways.
* Fight rising property taxes and protect Wyoming homeowners.
* Defend Wyoming's coal, oil, natural gas, uranium, and agricultural industries.
* Strengthen Wyoming schools while protecting parental authority and local control.
* Stand against federal overreach and defend Wyoming's sovereignty.
Expand opportunities for locally owned businesses, ranchers, and producers.