WyoFile

ELECTION GUIDE 2026

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

Last update: Oct 2, 2026 - 11:39 AM
Carl Manning
Wyoming Republican Candidate/ WY House District 55

Carl Manning

Candidate Status: ➡️ Active

Active candidates for WY House District 55

On the Issues

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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?

Riverton, WY; 70 years; Los Angeles, CA

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

77

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

I am a lifelong Riverton resident and have been married to my wife, Tanis, since 1980. Together we have two daughters and five grandchildren. Family and community have always been central to my life and my commitment to public service.

For more than 30 years, I have served on the Fremont County School District #25 Board of Trustees, working with educators, parents, students, and taxpayers to make thoughtful decisions that support our schools and communities. That experience has given me firsthand knowledge of budgeting, policy development, long-range planning, and the importance of responsible government.

Throughout my years of service, I have learned that the best decisions come from listening, finding common ground, and focusing on solutions. I am running for Wyoming House District 55 to bring that same practical, local perspective to Cheyenne and represent the people of Fremont County with integrity, independence, and respect.

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

One of the biggest challenges facing Wyoming today is the loss of civility and the growing difficulty of working together to solve problems. Too often, political disagreements get in the way of progress, and important issues are left unresolved.

I also see this as one of Wyoming’s greatest opportunities. Our state has a strong tradition of neighbors working together, respecting different viewpoints, and finding common ground. There is far more that unites us than divides us.

As a legislator, my approach will be simple: do the work. I have learned that good decisions come from listening, studying the issues, asking questions, and working with others to find practical solutions. Not everyone will agree on every issue, but we can still treat one another with respect and focus on what is best for Wyoming.

The people of House District 55, and Wyoming, deserve a representative who is willing to listen, collaborate, and get things done.

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 access and affordability are critical issues for Wyoming, especially in our rural communities. We must ensure that basic healthcare services remain available while also addressing the funding challenges. One area that deserves immediate attention is mental health. Wyoming continues to see the effects of rising suicide rates, substance abuse, and addiction on individuals, families, and communities. We cannot ignore these challenges. Investing in mental health services, crisis intervention, prevention programs, and treatment resources can improve lives while reducing long-term costs to taxpayers and the healthcare system. As legislators, we need to work with healthcare providers, communities, and state agencies to identify practical solutions that improve access to care and strengthen essential services. Healthy communities are the foundation of a strong Wyoming, and ensuring access to basic healthcare and mental health resources must remain a priority.

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?

No. Wyoming’s public lands are a vital part of our economy, our heritage, and our way of life. They support agriculture, energy development, recreation, tourism, and public access opportunities that benefit Wyoming residents and future generations.

I do not support efforts to sell off public lands. Instead, we must remain vigilant in protecting these resources and ensuring they are managed in the best interests of the people of Wyoming. That means advocating for responsible, efficient, and effective management that balances multiple uses while preserving access and opportunities for those who live and work here.

As a legislator, I will support a strong and proactive approach to public land management, working to ensure that Wyoming’s voice is heard in decisions affecting our lands and that these resources continue to serve Wyoming families, communities, and industries for years to come.

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?

I understand the public’s desire for property tax relief, but we also have to be honest about the consequences of reducing revenue that funds essential local services. Wyoming’s counties are different, and what works in one community may not work in another.

We’ve put ourselves in a difficult position with recent cuts. We cannot continue a “take from Peter to pay Paul” approach, shifting money from one fund to cover shortfalls in another. Schools, local governments, emergency services, and infrastructure all require stable funding.

I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I believe we need to move quickly to explore innovative funding solutions and new revenue opportunities. We must have honest conversations about how we fund the services Wyoming citizens expect while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Ignoring the problem won’t solve it. It’s time to do the work, examine the options, and find practical solutions that serve Wyoming for the long term.

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

Economic development is critical to Wyoming’s future. The Legislature should help create an environment where businesses can grow, invest, and create jobs while allowing communities to shape their own economic priorities.

I believe the Wyoming Business Council is doing a fair job supporting economic development efforts across the state. We need to focus on attracting and growing sustainable industries that provide good-paying jobs and long-term opportunities for Wyoming families.

One of our biggest challenges is keeping young people in Wyoming. Too many leave because they don’t see enough career opportunities here. We should support economic development strategies that strengthen our communities, expand our workforce, and create jobs that allow the next generation to build their lives here.

Strong communities and sustainable job growth are essential to Wyoming’s long-term success.

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

I believe voters deserve transparency and honesty when it comes to campaign financing. People have a right to know who is supporting candidates and where campaign money is coming from so they can make informed decisions at the ballot box.

The last election cycle highlighted concerns that should not be ignored. Wyoming voters were flooded with negative mailers, misleading information, and campaign materials that often made it difficult to identify who was funding them. That does not build trust in our elections or our government.

I believe Wyoming should review its campaign finance and disclosure laws to ensure funding sources are clear, reporting is timely, and voters have access to accurate information. Regardless of political affiliation, campaigns should be conducted with integrity and transparency. Elections should be about issues, ideas, and qualifications, not confusion, deception, or anonymous attacks.

As of Aug 17, 2026, per state filings.

Total Raised$4,300
Total Spent$2,114

Shown relative to the top fundraiser in the Wyoming House: Julie Jarvis, with $58,900 raised.

Top Contributors*

  1. MARTIN, MIKE (RIVERTON)$1,000
  2. YOUNG-MANNING, TANIS L (RIVERTON)$800
  3. TYNDALL, BRADLEY (RIVERTON)$500
  4. WY REALTORS PAC (CASPER)$500
  5. RATLIFF, SCOTT J (RIVERTON)$500

* Contributions are grouped by donor name and reported ZIP code — two donors who share both could be counted as one, and the same donor could be split into separate entries if they were reported giving from two different addresses. Errors in how a candidate or committee reported a contribution may also make these totals inaccurate.

Full records, individual transactions, and filings for all Wyoming candidates are available from the Wyoming Campaign Finance Information System.

WyoFile Coverage of MANNING

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About this Project

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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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