Wyoming’s Senate Vice President, Dave Kinskey, says he’s not going to seek reelection to the Wyoming Senate.
In his announcement Tuesday, the Republican from Sheridan said he’s held all-consuming jobs as a mayor and senator over the past two decades. “I feel it is time to step back from elected office and turn to what other journeys life may offer,” he said.
It was July 2014 when Kinskey was appointed to the Senate District 22 seat after Senator John Schiffer of Kaycee died. At the time, Kinskey was serving as the mayor of Sheridan in his third term. He served two years before running for the seat in 2016 and again in 2020. In both elections, he ran unopposed.
As a member of the Senate Revenue Committee, he advocated for spending cuts over tax increases to address the state’s budget crisis. Most recently, Kinskey was vice president of the Senate and chaired the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee during the 2023 general session and the 2024 budget session.
“I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity of public service. I will always cherish the memories and relationships formed during my time in the office,” he said. “I want to assure you that my commitment to serving our community remains steadfast. While I may not be seeking re-election, I will continue to advocate for the issues that matter most to our constituents and work towards the betterment of our state in whatever capacity I can.”
Five other Republican members of the Legislature have announced they too won’t seek reelection; all of them are so-called “traditional” GOPers. Although one of them – Congressman Jared Olsen of Cheyenne, is running for the Senate.
The open seats create an opportunity for the state’s Freedom Caucus to seat more candidates who are farther to the right of traditional GOPers.
State Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette, chairman of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, said he is also confident that a like-minded candidate will step up to fill Kinskey’s shoes.
