As a woman in Wyoming, I am proud to be a leader, and to continue to serve the state of Wyoming. We all know that we are the Equality State. We were the first to have a woman governor, the first to allow women to exercise the right to vote, one of the first to have a female legislator, the first woman Justice of the Peace in Esther Morris (in South Pass City, Fremont County) and one Annie Oakley made her mark as a sharpshooter here in Wyoming. It is a rich history. And one that deserves to continue with strong female leadership.

Growing up in Wyoming, I saw my parents, and many other couples, develop a unique bond around the work and activities that many of our people undertake. Agriculture and outdoor activities, including hunting, come to mind. I developed a theory that equality in a relationship often comes with shared work. I watched my parents raise kids and cattle, work full-time jobs, hunt and recreate together. I think the Wyoming culture cultivates this type of partnership.

I also manage our domestic violence and sexual assault team in the Fremont County Attorney’s office. There are still some areas of criminal law that need addressed. I do not believe that there should only be a ten-year look back on domestic violence battery. If a person gets possession of marijuana convictions, they are enhancements for further penalties for the person’s entire lifetime. But, if you get convicted for domestic battery, they fall off after 5 or 10 years. Another movement that I support is the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement. This is a surging coalition that brings to light to a longstanding problem of domestic violence and issues specific to Native American women. As a prosecutor in Fremont County, I have insight into the cultural and law enforcement perspectives, and will use them to foster understanding of the work that still needs done.

I look forward to being a part of the legacy of women in Wyoming leadership.