Quick facts for kids Governor of Wyoming |
Seal of the governor
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Style |
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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.
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John Allen Campbell was the first governor of the Wyoming Territory.
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John Milton Thayer served as the second territorial governor.
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John Wesley Hoyt was the third territorial governor.
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William Hale served as the fourth territorial governor.
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Francis E. Warren served two terms as territorial governor and later became the first state governor.
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George W. Baxter was a territorial governor for a short time.
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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.
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Amos W. Barber became acting governor after Francis E. Warren resigned.
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John Eugene Osborne was Wyoming's first Democratic governor.
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William A. Richards served as governor in the late 1890s.
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DeForest Richards served two terms as governor.
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Fenimore Chatterton was acting governor after DeForest Richards passed away.
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Bryant Butler Brooks served as governor in the early 1900s.
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Joseph M. Carey was a former U.S. Senator who became governor.
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John B. Kendrick resigned as governor to become a U.S. Senator.
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Frank L. Houx was acting governor after John B. Kendrick resigned.
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Robert D. Carey was the son of former governor Joseph M. Carey.
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William B. Ross passed away while in office.
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Frank Lucas became acting governor after William B. Ross's death.
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Nellie Tayloe Ross was the first woman governor in the United States.
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Frank Emerson served as governor in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
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Alonzo M. Clark was acting governor after Frank Emerson passed away.
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Leslie A. Miller served two non-consecutive terms as governor.
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Nels H. Smith was governor during World War II.
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Lester C. Hunt served as governor before becoming a U.S. Senator.
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Arthur G. Crane was acting governor after Lester C. Hunt resigned.
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Frank A. Barrett resigned as governor to become a U.S. Senator.
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Clifford Joy Rogers was acting governor after Frank A. Barrett resigned.
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Milward Simpson served as governor in the 1950s.
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Joe Hickey resigned as governor to become a U.S. Senator.
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Jack R. Gage was acting governor after Joe Hickey resigned.
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Clifford Hansen served as governor before becoming a U.S. Senator.
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Stanley K. Hathaway served two terms as governor.
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Edgar Herschler was Wyoming's longest-serving governor, with three terms.
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Mike Sullivan served two terms as governor.
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Jim Geringer served two terms as governor in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
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Dave Freudenthal served two terms as governor.
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Matt Mead served two terms as governor from 2011 to 2019.
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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.
Timeline of Wyoming governors |
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See also