WYOMING – After months of speculation, Wyoming treasurer Mark Gordon today officially announced his candidacy for governor.
Surrounded by family, friends and longtime supporters, Gordon made the declaration in public last night at a celebration in his hometown of Buffalo.
“Growing up here in Wyoming, I’ve had incredible opportunities to build businesses, raise a family and chart my own course—opportunities I want every Wyoming citizen and every Wyoming child to have,” Gordon said. “As Governor, I will get government out of the way to support freedom and opportunity. This means decreasing the size of government, making reductions in spending and prioritizing needs versus wants.”
The 61-year-old knows downsizing government is a big undertaking.
“It won’t be easy. Making tough decisions never is,” he said. “However, I have the knowledge, experience and grit to build the Wyoming economy, the Wyoming education system, and the Wyoming way-of-life we want our kids and grandkids to inherit.”
Gordon, a Republican, was appointed by Gov. Matt Mead on October 26, 2012 to fill the vacancy created by the death of Joseph B. Meyer.
Gordon promises a campaign focused on fiscal responsibility, getting government out of the way, and providing “extraordinary educational opportunities” in Wyoming.
Former US Senator Al Simpson praised Gordon as an experienced leader ready to take on the job of Governor.
“Mark Gordon is ready—no ‘on the job training’ required—to lead us into the future. Mark is the only candidate in this race who has the experience, values, savvy and grit to get crackin’ and get the job done from day one,” Simpson said. “From ranching and running small businesses, to managing the state’s finances and working in the energy industry, Mark’s done it all. He’s tough. He’s tested. He’s ‘saddled up’ to lead our great state forward.”
Casper businessman Peter Wold will serve as Gordon’s statewide campaign chair.
“To position Wyoming to compete in a global economy long into the future, we need a leader who understands business. Who understands our energy, agriculture and tourism industries and the opportunities for next generation job growth they provide,” Wold said.
Gordon has already set an aggressive campaign trail travel plan. He’ll be in Buffalo this week, followed by stops in Casper, Cheyenne, Torrington, Lusk, Wheatland, Glenrock and Douglas. Next week, Gordon will travel to Afton, Kemmerer, Evanston, Green River, Rock Springs and Rawlins. Watch for him in Teton County sometime between March 21 and April 9.
