Republican Cowboy State contender for the governorship deemed insufficiently conservative by Freedom Caucus chair
In the political landscape of Wyoming, a new development has emerged as State Senator Eric Barlow, a Republican and Marine Corps veteran, announced his bid for Governor. However, not all are welcoming this news with open arms.
State Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, chair of the conservative Wyoming Freedom Caucus, has criticized Barlow, claiming he is not "conservative enough" for Wyoming. Rodriguez-Williams accuses Barlow of being a "liberal Republican who loves big government," and goes on to assert that he has prioritized ever-growing state spending and presided over a special session during Gordon's COVID lockdowns that failed to protect the rights of the people of Wyoming.
Rodriguez-Williams also claims that Barlow has voted against state sovereignty and sponsored what she calls "woke legislation." These allegations have sparked a division within the conservative movement, with Rodriguez-Williams and the Freedom Caucus arguing that Wyoming voters want "real, conservative leadership," which they argue Barlow does not represent.
Barlow, for his part, presents himself as a traditional conservative focused on energy independence, reducing taxes, private property rights, and defending the Second Amendment and sanctity of life. His campaign website states that he is running for Governor because he believes Wyoming deserves strong, respectful leadership rooted in service, not politics.
Meanwhile, Sen. John Barrasso has highlighted Wyoming's abundant natural resources, stating that the state has clean and very affordable natural gas that can be exported. This resource could play a significant role in the state's economy, should it be effectively utilised.
As the Wyoming gubernatorial contest approaches next year, the criticism against Barlow serves as a reminder of the importance of clear and consistent conservative principles in political leadership. The race is expected to be a keenly contested one, with the conservative faction's criticism of Barlow likely to influence the voting decisions of many Wyoming residents.
The writer for our website Digital is Alex Nitzberg. This is a developing story and we will continue to bring you updates as they unfold.
The criticism from State Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, a conservative leader, alleges that State Senator Eric Barlow, a contender for Wyoming's governorship, is not conservative enough due to his support for policy-and-legislation deemed "woke" and his perceived prioritization of big government over state sovereignty. In the upcoming Wyoming gubernatorial race, the division within the conservative movement over Barlow's candidacy could significantly impact voting decisions, emphasizing the importance of clear conservative principles in politics.
