On the Issues
↑ TopThe 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?
310 N 9 th Sinclair Wy 82344. 25 years. Resident my whole life. Fort Rucker Al. Father was an officer in the Army.
What age will you be on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2026?
59
Please tell the voters about yourself including your background and qualifications.
Life long resident, served my country in the Wy national guard, and the army. Worked for the State of Wy in security at the Wy state pen. Family been in wyo for 4 generations. Have a business in Sweetwater county. I love the state and if elected I would like it to be free with individual liberty and fiscal responsibility
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing Wyoming today? As a legislator, how would you address them?
Finding ways to protect a social safety net, and promote business to preserve or way of life. Also important to mention that our first responders, and soldiers need to be respected and properly taken care of. Teachers need to be given resources to take care of our children’s future. Local school boards should have more autonomy. Personal liberty is a priority. Gun rights need to be respected. Finally we need to do more with less spending every dollar the people provide the state wisely.
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?
We can cut the administrative costs streamlining the paperwork and look into waste fraud and abuse
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 am not unless it makes common sense for the state and the people of Wyoming to. I would like to see the federal lands other than the national parks transfered to to state where the voters of Wyoming can decide the best uses.
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?
Incentivise business. Promote development of minerals and natural resources. Promote tourism, ranching, and new business of the future such as AI.
What role, if any, should the Wyoming Legislature play in economic development?
Making business attractive to locate and invest here while preserving our environment and way of life
Explain your values when it comes to campaign donations. Does Wyoming's system for monitoring campaign donations and expenditures need reform?
I believe that people are free to contribute to the candidate of their choice but sure of donations should be disclosed
Campaign Finance
As of Aug 17, 2026, per state filings.
Shown relative to the top fundraiser in the Wyoming Senate: Ogden Driskill, with $63,476 raised.
Full records, individual transactions, and filings for all Wyoming candidates are available from the Wyoming Campaign Finance Information System.
WyoFile Coverage of VAN MATRE
About this Project
↑ TopWyoFile 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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