JACKSON, Wyo. — The Teton County Board of County Commissioners initiated the process to fill the vacancy left by Teton County and Prosecuting Attorney Erin E. Weisman, who was appointed Circuit Court Judge for the Ninth Judicial District by Governor Mark Gordon on June 28.
Weisman sent a letter of resignation to the County Commissioners on July 1, noting her office becomes vacant Aug. 5.
According to Wyoming Statute, the Teton County Democratic Central Committee will select three qualified replacements, because Weisman was the Democratic candidate. The Board of County Commissioners will then appoint one of those individuals to fill the vacancy.
Teton County Clerk Maureen Murphy presented the item to the Commissioners at the July 8 meeting, explaining that the Democratic Committee, upon receiving the commission’s letter of notice, now has 15 days to call a meeting and send their selections back to the county commission, who will then need to make a final selection within five days of receiving the three names.
The commissioners unanimously voted on July 8 to approve a letter notifying Maggie Hunt, Teton County Democratic Party Chairwoman, of the vacancy setting in motion the 20-day timeline.
On July 15 during the voucher meeting, the Commissioners voted unanimously to send a letter to Weisman thanking her for the decade of service to Teton County.
Weisman’s colleagues and staff made public comments during Monday’s meeting, recounting her decade-long career with the county and praising her for her commitment to elected office.
Clerk of the District Court Ann Sutton, spoke during public comment and recounted a meeting when she and Weisman were first elected to their positions.
“We had a meeting with elected officials about how we might work together moving forward,” Sutton said. “One of the questions that went around the room was ‘Why are you here?’ and ‘Why do you serve?’, and if I recall correctly, Erin said, ‘I am here for truth and justice.’ And I thought it was so simple and so important and about the most important thing someone could have said,” Sutton said.
Sutton went on to explain that on the day Governor Gordon called to let Weisman know she was being appointed, the two were working diligently on a matter that came across Sutton’s desk. “She was focused, she was committed and she was serving,” Sutton said. “You started strong, you’re finishing strong, and I appreciate all you’ve done and your professionalism; it has set a bar for me that I hope to keep working to achieve.”
Weisman spoke last, saying, “It’s been a pleasure to serve as the County and Prosecuting Attorney.”
“I have been so fortunate to have been helped by so many wonderful people along my career and personal life,” Weisman said. “I think it’s moments like this that we realize we are in a great community and are all very lucky to know one another and keep working towards what we know is right and true, and I am excited to take the bench soon and carry those same principles forward.”
Whoever the commissioners select will serve the remainder of the term, which ends in January 2027. Voters will have a chance to elect the next Teton County and Prosecuting Attorney in 2026.
Weisman was sworn in as Teton County and Prosecuting Attorney in Jan. 2018. Her new post serves Teton, Sublette and Fremont counties. Weisman is filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Circuit Court Judge Curt A. Haws.
