Jackson resident Rebecca Bextel announces campaign for Wyoming governor

CASPER, Wyo. — Jackson resident Rebecca Bextel has announced her candidacy for governor, seeking the nomination of the Constitution Party.

Bextel, a small business owner, framed her campaign as a challenge to the established political system in Wyoming. She said she intends to provide a conservative alternative for voters who believe the Republican primary often favors candidates who compromise on their principles.

“My run for Governor as the Constitution Party candidate aims to allow conservatives two lanes for the same race, just like the Democrats,” Bextel said in a statement.

Her platform prioritizes energy production, Second Amendment rights, school choice and efforts to reduce government regulation. Bextel also emphasized a focus on election integrity, calling for voter identification requirements and increased transparency.

The announcement comes on the heels of a controversy during the 2026 legislative budget session in Cheyenne. In February, the Wyoming House of Representatives voted unanimously to form a special committee to investigate Bextel’s actions after she handed out campaign donation checks to several lawmakers on the House floor.

Bextel acknowledged delivering the checks, which she said were from a Teton County donor. She maintained there was no wrongdoing in “delivering lawful campaign checks” while at the Capitol. Legislators initiated the inquiry to determine if the actions violated the state constitution or constituted legislative misconduct.

While Wyoming House investigators cleared lawmakers of wrongdoing, Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak’s parallel investigation was still ongoing as of April.

Bextel previously served as a precinct committee person and state committeewoman within the Republican Party. She unsuccessfully sought the top leadership position of the Wyoming Republican Party last year. She said her decision to join the Constitution Party arose from her observations of political insiders and party machinery in Cheyenne.

The Constitution Party plans to hold a state convention on June 18 and 19 to nominate candidates for the general election ballot.

Others filing to take the seat Gov. Mark Gordon is vacating include Sheridan resident Gabriel Green, a Democrat, and Republicans Brent Bien, Sen. Eric Barlow and State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder. A fourth Republican, Joseph Kibler, withdrew his announced candidacy in April.

The primary election is set for Aug. 18. The general election will be Nov. 3.

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