Barlow responds to opponent’s criticisms on legislative record, state government
Gubernatorial candidate Eric Barlow recently spoke with the Rocket Miner regarding comments Rebecca Bextel has made about his political beliefs. Pictured is Barlow speaking to attendees during a luncheon at the Holiday Inn in Rock Springs. Photo by Trina Dennis Brittain, Rocket Miner.
ROCK SPRINGS — Following up on comments made by Constitution Party gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Bextel regarding his 14-year legislative tenure, Republican nominee Eric Barlow wanted to set the record straight.
In a conversation with the Rocket Miner, Barlow discussed his extensive record representing Campbell and Converse counties and the realities of governance in the Wyoming Legislature.
Bextel recently criticized Barlow’s past votes and questioned his alignment with the Republican party, saying her intent is to stop Wyoming from “being Colorado.”
Barlow, however, points to his proven standing with the electorate, highlighting his primary victory backed by more than 58,000 registered Republicans and his six previous election wins in Campbell County.
“I’m not confused about what party I’m a part of, and I don’t think the voters of Wyoming have been either,” Barlow said.
The legislative process
Having served in the Wyoming Legislature for more than a decade, Barlow is the only candidate in the general election field with a direct voting record on the major policy issues that have come before the state by concerned Wyomingites.
Addressing criticisms from challengers who have not held legislative office, Barlow noted the necessity of going through the rigorous bill process to reach any meaningful compromise or resolution.
“You can’t get a resolution — whether it’s for or against a particular issue — if you don’t have a conversation,” Barlow said. “And the way we have conversations in the Wyoming Legislature is through the bill process. It also allows the public, everyone else, to be a part of that discussion.”
Healthcare, unpaid bills
In response to Bextel’s remarks concerning uncompensated medical care and emergency room impacts from individuals in the country illegally, Barlow acknowledged the profound financial strains facing Wyoming’s community hospitals and healthcare providers.
He pointed out that federal law, specifically the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, mandates that emergency rooms treat anyone walking through the door in need of immediate care. While acknowledging that medical debt and uncompensated care are pressing challenges for affordability across the state, he noted the true magnitude of these impacts varies significantly by facility and is best addressed directly by hospital associations and local healthcare providers.
“Affordability is a challenge for everyone,” Barlow said, noting illegal immigrants are not the only ones facing this issue. “Life-long residents, young and old, are having a difficult time paying hospital bills, too. They’re making payments.”
Property tax relief
Property tax reform has taken center stage on the campaign trail. Barlow acknowledged the profound financial strain rising property taxes puts on Wyoming families, noting affordability remains a pervasive challenge across the board. As lawmakers and local entities grapple with how to balance structural relief without starving essential community services or forcing drastic municipal budget cuts, Barlow stressed thoughtful, data-driven legislative solutions are vital to protecting taxpayers while maintaining state stability.
“I’ve supported all of those property tax relief measures, including the 25%,” Barlow said. “Going to 50%, I believe, for many communities is going to be detrimental to the quality of life and the services that they are able to provide to homeowners and the rest of the residents in communities.”
Managing government
The candidates have also sparred over executive structure, including the governor’s oversight responsibilities across Wyoming’s numerous state agencies, boards, and commissions.
While Bextel has zeroed in on the expansive portfolio managed by the governor’s office, Barlow countered that the governor’s staff is relatively lean and relies on strategic agency organization. Noting that past legislative reorganizations have successfully combined or adapted agencies as missions evolved, Barlow said the primary focus must remain on “continuously improving governmental efficiency and effectiveness for Wyoming citizens.”
“My focus continues to be listening to the people of Wyoming and understanding the opportunities and the frustrations they have and serving them respectfully and effectively if we’re successful in the general election,” Barlow said. “It’s been an honor to serve in the Legislature and if we’re able to take on this next role, we’ll do the best we can to serve all of Wyoming.”
This story was published on Oct. 24, 2026.
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