Trump’s Wyoming pick loses primary
Trump's endorsed candidate for Wyoming governor loses primary, raising questions about his influence in GOP races.
The update
State Sen. Eric Barlow defeated Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder in Wyoming’s Republican gubernatorial primary. Degenfelder had received President Donald Trump’s endorsement in the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Mark Gordon. Barlow’s victory comes despite Trump’s support for Degenfelder, marking another instance where the former president’s preferred candidate has fallen short in a primary contest.
Why it matters
This loss represents another instance where a Trump-backed candidate has failed to secure victory in a primary. The outcome may signal potential limitations to Trump’s influence within the Republican party as the 2026 election cycle progresses. With multiple candidates in the race, including 2022 gubernatorial contender Brent Bien, the competitive nature of the contest suggests factors beyond endorsements may be influencing voter decisions.
What to watch
How Trump’s team responds to this setback and whether they adjust their endorsement strategy for future primaries. The margin of victory and any factors beyond Trump’s endorsement that may have influenced voters’ decisions. Political observers will be monitoring if this becomes part of a pattern of Trump-endorsed candidates losing primaries.
Sources
- politico.com — confirming the outcome of the Wyoming gubernatorial primary
- thehill.com — additional details about the race and candidates
