Gov. Gordon delivers 2026 State of the State address
On Feb. 9, Gov. Mark Gordon delivered his 2026 State of the State address to the 68th Wyoming Legislature.
In his address, Gordon called on lawmakers to prioritize Wyoming’s future while conducting business throughout the legislative session by building upon fundamental practices which “keep families strong, communities stable and opportunities within reach” throughout the state.
Opening remarks
Gordon began his address by reflecting on the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, tying Wyoming’s path forward to the principles of federalism, limited government and local control.
“Wyoming stands strong and vibrant, anchored in our enduring values and in the conservative principles that always carry our people forward,” Gordon began. “Our economy is hardy, more diverse and better prepared to capitalize on the multiple opportunities now facing our state.”
“As we celebrate our 250th year, we should remember the founding principles of our nation,” he continued. “We are a republic with a backbone of Federalism. We understand power belongs closest to the people, and we appreciate essentials are not handed down from some distant capital. The essentials are forged close to home by people who understand their moral obligation not just to today but to tomorrow as well.”
Reflecting upon the legacy and future of Wyoming, Gordon framed his 2027-28 biennial budget as a practical, conservative plan and urged legislators to prioritize savings and continued development of Wyoming’s natural resources.
He also emphasized support for agriculture, rural healthcare, education, economic development and an efficient workforce achieved through a focus on “the essentials.”
“Essentials are those things without which families falter, communities fade and opportunity withers,” Gordon said. “This budget is not built on excess, but on the essentials that will build an enduring future for Wyoming.”
“My recommendation provides for an efficient government which is neither intrusive nor inattentive,” he continued. “It seeks to help people closest to the problems solve them for themselves. It represents the whole sense of our communities, and it is transparent and responsive while not burdening our citizens or their industries.”
Savings and economic development
Key among the governor’s proposals was a call to restore his original recommendation to deposit surplus income into the Permanent Mineral Trust Fund.
He noted his budget originally left a surplus of $500 million but has harvested another $250 million in investment income since the release of the original budget recommendation.
“I ask you to restore my original budget recommendation and place $250 million of the surplus into permanent savings this year, beyond the reach of current temptation,” Gordon said. “So far, Wyoming has benefitted from the spirit of previous generations of truly conservative leaders who understood discipline and restraint build the future.”
Gordon also called on the legislature to continue investing in competitive pay for state employees.
“Let us remember more than half of Wyoming’s state employees work outside of Cheyenne,” Gordon stressed. “They are your neighbors, serving families, protecting livestock and keeping our parks and communities running. If we fail to remain competitive, we risk losing experienced and talented workers to surrounding states, weakening services for Wyoming citizens.”
In addition, Gordon praised the state’s thriving tourism industry and highlighted the potential relocation of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Hall of Fame from Colorado Springs, Colo. to Cheyenne as an opportunity for continued growth.
He also asked the legislature to work with him to “rejuvenate, renovate and reimagine” the Wyoming Business Council and keep the Cowboy State’s industries competitive.
Energy and natural resources
Turning his attention to energy and natural resources, Gordon stressed the importance of continuing to invest in the long-term growth of Wyoming’s energy and mineral industries, as well as continued attention to water issues and natural resource protections.
“As Wyoming app-
roaches 30 years of drought, we all know we have a significant water crisis on our hands,” Gordon stated. “We must make sure we have the resources to address these issues.”
The governor referred to Wyoming as “out-manned and out-gunned by virtually every other state on the Colorado River” in terms of the ongoing water crisis. However, he acknowledged small progress on the national level.
To bolster this progress, Gordon recommended funding to shore up the State Engineer’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General in order to “protect Wyoming’s water use in all basins where water flows out of our state.”
In terms of energy, Gordon called for vigilance in defending interests and growing markets.
“Wyoming will stop at nothing to defend our right to reach markets eager to use the quality products only Wyoming can provide,” he stated.
Agriculture and education
Gordon’s comments on agriculture and education emphasized the importance of investing in the future.
As Wyoming agriculture continues to develop markets in Asia, the governor called on the legislature to fully fund the Asian trade office in order to continue expanding markets.
Gordon also acknowledged the efforts of the Cowboy State Agricultural Initiative Working Group and the Wyoming Hunger Initiative, which are committed to investing in local agriculturists and impacting Wyoming communities.
Members of the working group represent the industry on all levels, working to strengthen agriculture and help young farmers and ranchers start and maintain operations, as well as expand markets.
Gordon also expressed support for the University of Wyoming (UW), noting the university’s revitalized College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources supports the Cowboy State Agricultural Initiative, and the university as a whole contributes significantly to the state’s diverse economy.
Stressing the importance of UW programming to the economic vitality of Wyoming, Gordon urged the legislature to reconsider budget cuts which would affect university operations.
“Now is not the time to ignore the vision set forth in our Wyoming Constitution regarding our land grant university,” Gordon stated. “This is a case where simply cutting a budget won’t lead to improvement, but a dialogue could.”
Gordon also called for increased attention to strengthening rural health and services and Veteran’s programming throughout the state.
Closing remarks
In closing, Gordon urged lawmakers to focus on the future of Wyoming, calling for a pro-growth and pro-business model while emphasizing the choices made by the legislature have the power to either widen the state’s horizons or to stifle them.
“Our obligation today is to leave our state and her people better positioned to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex, challenging yet bright, future,” Gordon stated, highlighting a belief in accountability to Wyoming’s people – especially the younger generations – as legislative decisions begin to unfold.
He called upon the people of Wyoming to pay close attention to the legislative session and to hold lawmakers and government officials accountable to their task of building a brighter future.
“We are accountable to the people in this chamber and to those across Wyoming, but most of all to the generation that will live with the consequences of what we decide here,” Gordon said. “We do not owe them promises or platitudes. We owe them a future built on the opportunity to learn, to work, to build a business, to raise a family and to grow old with dignity in the communities they call home.”
“Wyoming was built by people who valued independence, responsibility and self-government,” Gordon concluded. “If we are worthy of their legacy, we will govern with the same resolve.”
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
