Eathorne Endorsed Constitution Party Candidate Bextel

Former Wyoming GOP Chairman Frank Eathorne has backed Rebecca Bextel in the gubernatorial race.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Political Parties

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a geometric capitol dome, representing political realignment within the state of Wyoming. — Former Wyoming Republican Party Chairman Frank Eathorne has endorsed Constitution Party gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Bextel, citing dissatisfaction with mainstream primary funding. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Former Wyoming Republican Party Chairman Frank Eathorne has announced his support for Constitution Party candidate Rebecca Bextel in the race for governor. Eathorne expressed his frustration with primary funding by liberals and Democrats as a driving factor in his decision.

Why it matters

The endorsement signals a split within Wyoming conservative circles, as Eathorne shifts support away from the Republican nominee toward a third-party challenger. This move highlights ongoing tensions over election funding and party loyalty in the state.

Rebecca Bextel officially switched her political affiliation to the Constitution Party in May 2026. The shift follows a political career marked by a tenure where Frank Eathorne chaired the Wyoming Republican Party for eight years.

The players

Frank Eathorne

He served as the chairman of the Wyoming Republican Party for eight years.

Rebecca Bextel

She is the Constitution Party candidate for the office of governor in Wyoming.

Eric Barlow

He is the current Republican nominee for governor and a veteran member of the Wyoming Legislature.

The details

In a video posted on October 11, Eathorne declared his intention to vote for Bextel, describing himself as a principled Republican seeking to save the state. The move pits Bextel against Republican nominee Eric Barlow, who has served in the state legislature for nearly 14 years.

Frank Eathorne chaired the Wyoming Republican Party for eight years until his departure.
Eric Barlow has served in the Wyoming Legislature for nearly 14 years.
Rebecca Bextel switched her party affiliation to the Constitution Party in May 2026.
Frank Eathorne announced his endorsement of Rebecca Bextel on October 11, 2026.

Political Context

The endorsement of a third-party candidate by a former state party chairman marks a departure from typical partisan consolidation. This move highlights internal resistance from those who argue the Republican establishment has drifted from the principles outlined in the Wyoming Constitution Party platform.

Voters will now choose between a traditional Republican nominee and a candidate supported by a former party leader. This development complicates the electoral choice for those weighing party loyalty against ideological shifts in state governance.

The takeaway

This endorsement highlights the growing influence of ideological differences in state-level politics. Voters are encouraged to review the official platforms of all candidates to understand how their priorities regarding government spending and rights protection align with their own values.