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List of governors of Wyoming facts for kids

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Governor of Wyoming
Seal of the Governor of Wyoming.svg
Seal of the governor
Mark Gordon 2022.jpg
Incumbent
Mark Gordon
since January 7, 2019
Style
Residence Wyoming Governor's Mansion
Term length Four years, renewable once (limited to eight years in a sixteen year period)
Inaugural holder Francis E. Warren
Formation Wyoming Constitution
Succession Line of succession
Salary $105,000 (2022)

The governor of Wyoming is like the chief executive officer for the state of Wyoming. They are the main leader of the state government. The governor is also the commander-in-chief of Wyoming's military department, which includes the National Guard. This means they are in charge of the state's military forces.

A governor serves for four years. When Wyoming first became a state, a governor could be elected as many times as they wanted. However, since 1992, there's a rule that limits governors to serving a total of eight years within any 16-year period. This usually means they can serve two terms in a row.

Who Are Wyoming's Governors?

The history of Wyoming's governors goes back to when it was a territory, before it became a state. These leaders helped shape Wyoming into what it is today.

Governors of Wyoming Territory

Before Wyoming became a state in 1890, it was a territory. The United States President appointed the governors for the Wyoming Territory. These early leaders helped set up the government and laws for the area.

  • John Allen Campbell
    John Allen Campbell was the first governor of the Wyoming Territory.
  • John Milton Thayer - Brady-Handy
    John Milton Thayer served as the second territorial governor.
  • John Wesley Hoyt
    John Wesley Hoyt was the third territorial governor.
  • William Hale
    William Hale served as the fourth territorial governor.
  • Francis E. Warren
    Francis E. Warren served two terms as territorial governor and later became the first state governor.
  • George White Baxter
    George W. Baxter was a territorial governor for a short time.
  • Thomas Moonlight by Studio of Mathew Brady
    Thomas Moonlight served as territorial governor in the late 1880s.

Governors of the State of Wyoming

Since Wyoming became a state in 1890, its governors have been elected by the people. They lead the state government and work to improve life for everyone in Wyoming.

  • AmosWBarber
    Amos W. Barber became acting governor after Francis E. Warren resigned.
  • JohnEOsborne
    John Eugene Osborne was Wyoming's first Democratic governor.
  • WilliamARichards
    William A. Richards served as governor in the late 1890s.
  • DeForest Richards
    DeForest Richards served two terms as governor.
  • F Chatterton
    Fenimore Chatterton was acting governor after DeForest Richards passed away.
  • BryantBBrooks
    Bryant Butler Brooks served as governor in the early 1900s.
  • Joseph Maull Carey (1845–1924)
    Joseph M. Carey was a former U.S. Senator who became governor.
  • JohnBKendrick
    John B. Kendrick resigned as governor to become a U.S. Senator.
  • Frank Lee Houx
    Frank L. Houx was acting governor after John B. Kendrick resigned.
  • Robert Davis Carey
    Robert D. Carey was the son of former governor Joseph M. Carey.
  • William B. Ross
    William B. Ross passed away while in office.
  • Frank Lucas of Wyoming
    Frank Lucas became acting governor after William B. Ross's death.
  • Nellie Tayloe Ross
    Nellie Tayloe Ross was the first woman governor in the United States.
  • Frank C. Emerson
    Frank Emerson served as governor in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
  • Alonzo M. Clark
    Alonzo M. Clark was acting governor after Frank Emerson passed away.
  • Leslie A. Miller
    Leslie A. Miller served two non-consecutive terms as governor.
  • Gov. Nels H. Smith of Wyoming, Oct. 1939 LCCN2016876346 (1)
    Nels H. Smith was governor during World War II.
  • Lester Hunt
    Lester C. Hunt served as governor before becoming a U.S. Senator.
  • Arthur G. Crane, 1938
    Arthur G. Crane was acting governor after Lester C. Hunt resigned.
  • Frank A. Barrett (WY)
    Frank A. Barrett resigned as governor to become a U.S. Senator.
  • No image
    Clifford Joy Rogers was acting governor after Frank A. Barrett resigned.
  • Milward Simpson (WY)
    Milward Simpson served as governor in the 1950s.
  • John J. Hickey (WY)
    Joe Hickey resigned as governor to become a U.S. Senator.
  • Governor Jack R. Gage
    Jack R. Gage was acting governor after Joe Hickey resigned.
  • Clifford Hansen
    Clifford Hansen served as governor before becoming a U.S. Senator.
  • Stanley K. Hathaway (WY)
    Stanley K. Hathaway served two terms as governor.
  • Edgar Herschler signed photo
    Edgar Herschler was Wyoming's longest-serving governor, with three terms.
  • WY Governor Mike Sullivan WSA OH-2104
    Mike Sullivan served two terms as governor.
  • Jim Geringer - TEDx Oil Spill - Washington, DC
    Jim Geringer served two terms as governor in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
  • Dave Freudenthal speech
    Dave Freudenthal served two terms as governor.
  • Matt Mead
    Matt Mead served two terms as governor from 2011 to 2019.
  • Mark Gordon 2022
    Mark Gordon is the current governor of Wyoming, serving since 2019.

Timeline of Governors

This timeline shows when each governor served, from the territorial days to the present. It helps you see how long each person was in office.

See also

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