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Wyoming House District 26

The Wyoming House of Representative is the lower house of the state legislature. Similar to the U.S. House of Representatives, they work with Senators to create laws, set the state budget, and determine state tax rates. State Representatives are elected to a two-year term with no term limits.

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  • Candidate picture

    Dalton Banks
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Ralph Nieder-Westermann
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

Why are you running for this office? Describe the experience and skills that make you the most qualified candidate.

Do you support the ballot initiative for a 50% reduction in property taxes, and why? If passed, should the state backfill the loss of local revenue? Please explain.

Do you support or oppose the sale or exchange of public lands? Please explain.

Is the current structure and funding level for public education appropriate? Please explain.

What is your opinion on the use of public funds for social services?

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Campaign Email ralphnw@wyo26forward.com
Facebook Elect Ralph to the House
Campaign Phone 3072204554
I am running because I believe Wyoming benefits from practical, independent leadership focused on solving problems rather than partisan division. I will listen to constituents, work with people across the political spectrum, and judge legislation on its merits. My professional and community experience has taught me the importance of responsible budgeting, accountability and collaboration. I want to protect Wyoming’s quality of life, community. while addressing the challenges facing our communities and preparing our state for the future. I was a founder of the Wyoming LifeLIne, a suicide and crisis support line and was instrumental in having Big Horn County designated by Governor Gordon an SBA HUBZone for federal contracting opportunities.
Wyoming homeowners need meaningful property-tax relief, particularly those being priced out of homes they have owned for years. At the same time, we cannot jeopardize schools, fire protection, law enforcement and other essential local services. I support responsible property-tax relief accompanied by a realistic plan for the resulting revenue loss. If voters approve the initiative, the state should work with local governments to protect essential services while requiring fiscal accountability and long-term planning.
Wyoming’s public lands are an important part of our heritage, economy and way of life, and I oppose wholesale disposal or privatization that would unnecessarily diminish public access. However, I would consider carefully structured land exchanges when they clearly benefit the public, improve access or land management, and provide fair value. Each proposal should be transparent, evaluated individually and include meaningful public input.
Wyoming has a constitutional responsibility to provide our children with a strong education. Recent increases in school funding are important, but adequate funding must be accompanied by accountability and measurable results. I support investing in excellent teachers, core academics, career and technical education, student safety and mental-health resources while ensuring taxpayer dollars reach classrooms effectively. Our goal should be excellent educational opportunities for every Wyoming child, regardless of where that child lives. I am examining the recent Wyoming Education Recalibration model as discussed in recent interim legislative committees.
Government has an appropriate role in providing a safety net for people who cannot meet essential needs on their own, particularly children, seniors, people with disabilities and those facing serious mental or behavioral health challenges. My experience with Wyoming LifeLine has shown me the importance of effective community services. Public funding should focus on demonstrated needs and programs with measurable results, strong oversight and fiscal accountability, while working with nonprofit and private-sector partners whenever appropriate.