WyoFile

ELECTION GUIDE 2026

Wyoming's candidates for federal, statewide and legislative offices.

Last update: Jul 10, 2026 - 04:08 PM
Brian Costello
Wyoming Republican Candidate/ WY House District 37

Brian Costello

Candidate Status: ➡️ Active

Active candidates for WY House District 37

On the Issues

The answers below were solicited from candidates via a written questionnaire created by WyoFile reporters and editors in June 2026. Responses are presented exactly as submitted, without fact-checking, wordsmithing or editing for grammar, punctuation or spelling errors.

Legislative candidates were invited to respond to the questionnaire several times by email and by phone. Out of fairness to the candidates who met the deadline, WyoFile will not add responses after the guide's publication.

Where do you live currently? How long have you lived there? How long have you lived in Wyoming? Where were you born?

Born in Kemmerer, WY. Raised in Big Piney, WY Currently live in Casper, WY since 2000.

What age will you be on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2026?

53

Please tell the voters about yourself including your background and qualifications.

I am a lifelong Wyomingite, educator, coach, entrepreneur, husband, and father. For more than two decades, I have taught and coached in Casper while also operating small businesses. Those experiences have given me firsthand insight into the challenges facing Wyoming families, students, workers, and employers.

My wife, Amy, and I raised our family in Casper because we believe it is one of the best places in the country to live. I am running because I want future generations to have the same opportunities Wyoming provided me.

I believe in local control, strong schools, responsible government, protecting our public lands, supporting a healthy business climate, and creating opportunities that allow young people and families to build their future right here in Wyoming. If elected, I will bring a practical, common-sense approach focused on listening, solving problems, and delivering more results and less drama.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing Wyoming today? As a legislator, how would you address them?

Wyoming's biggest challenge is creating enough opportunity that our young people can build their future here instead of feeling they have to leave the state. Affordable housing, workforce development, access to healthcare, and a strong economy are all connected to that challenge. At the same time, Wyoming's greatest opportunity is our people, our natural resources, and our quality of life.

As a legislator, I will work to strengthen education, support responsible economic growth, reduce unnecessary barriers for businesses, and expand opportunities for career and technical training. I also believe we must protect our public lands and Wyoming way of life while continuing to support the industries that power our economy. My focus will be on practical solutions that help families thrive, keep communities strong, and ensure future generations can live, work, and raise a family in Wyoming.

We asked WyoFile readers to rank issues that are important to them, and healthcare costs and access topped the list. What can the Legislature do to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to Wyomingites?

Healthcare affordability and access are major challenges, especially in rural Wyoming. We need more healthcare providers, stronger support for rural hospitals and clinics, and expanded access to telehealth so people can receive care closer to home. I also support efforts to increase competition, improve price transparency, and reduce unnecessary regulations that drive up costs for patients and providers.

As our population ages, we should invest in services that help seniors remain independent, including home healthcare, preventative care, and transportation assistance. The goal should be a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, and focused on the needs of Wyoming patients and families rather than bureaucracy.

Do you support efforts to sell or transfer public land in Wyoming? How do you plan to ensure that state and federal land is managed in the best interest of the people of Wyoming?

I generally oppose efforts to sell or transfer public land because access to them is an important part of our economy, outdoor heritage, and quality of life. As a lifelong Wyomingite, I understand the importance of public access for hunting, fishing, recreation, and tourism.

At the same time, state trust lands have a constitutional responsibility to generate revenue for education. I believe managers, especially the State Lands and Investments Board, should consider the full value of these lands and not only the dollars they generate. Their benefits to wildlife, recreation, local communities, and future generations must be taken into account. The best approach is balanced management that protects public access, supports responsible multiple use, and ensures Wyoming citizens receive the greatest long-term benefit from both state and federal lands.

No two Wyoming counties are the same when it comes to how they generate revenue. As a legislator, how would you approach the public's desire for property tax relief with local revenue needs?

Wyoming homeowners deserve meaningful property tax relief, especially seniors and families facing rising costs. At the same time, counties, municipalities, and special districts rely on property tax revenue to provide essential services such as schools, roads, public safety, and infrastructure. Because Wyoming's counties have different economies, tax bases, and service needs, a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to work.

As a legislator, I would support responsible tax relief while carefully evaluating the impact on local governments and exploring ways to maintain essential services. I believe local communities should have a strong voice in these decisions, and any long-term solution must balance taxpayer relief with the need to keep our communities strong and well-served.

What role, if any, should the Wyoming Legislature play in economic development?

The Legislature has an important role in creating an environment where businesses can grow, workers can succeed, and young people can build their futures in Wyoming. That means investing in education and workforce development, supporting infrastructure, reducing unnecessary barriers to business growth, and ensuring Wyoming remains a competitive place to live and work.

I do not believe government should pick winners and losers, but it should be a partner in creating opportunities. If we want our young people to stay in Wyoming, raise families here, and strengthen our communities, we must continue creating good-paying jobs and pathways to success while preserving the Wyoming values that make our state such a special place to call home.

Explain your values when it comes to campaign donations. Does Wyoming's system for monitoring campaign donations and expenditures need reform?

I believe campaign donations should be transparent and reported in a way that allows the public to see who is supporting candidates and how campaign funds are being spent. Wyoming's current system includes contribution limits and disclosure requirements that promote accountability and public trust. While I am always open to improvements that increase transparency and make information more accessible to voters, I believe any reforms should be practical, easy to comply with, and focused on informing the public rather than creating unnecessary burdens for candidates and citizens who wish to participate in the political process.

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About this Project

WyoFile produced this guide with coding and web development by Thomas Musselman, editing by Tennessee Watson and production assistance by Calla Shosh. Contact Tennessee Watson with questions, corrections or suggestions at tennessee@wyofile.com.

WyoFile is a Wyoming 501(c)3 nonprofit, independent, member-supported, public-interest news service reporting on the people, places and policy of Wyoming. WyoFile's donor base is politically diverse, including some donors who are candidates in this year's election. We maintain separation between sources of revenue and editorial direction, decisions and oversight. Acceptance of financial support does not constitute implied or actual endorsement of donors or their products, services or opinions, and does not confer editorial influence, nor does donor support imply any endorsement of WyoFile's reporting, commentary or editorial position.

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