State Rep. Bob Nicholas, R-Cheyenne, said he still has unfinished business to attend to for Wyoming after having already served in the state Legislature for 13 years.
He’s running for reelection to an eighth term representing House District 7, and said he’s undeterred in facing a formidable challenger in his Republican primary campaign.
“I have a long list of things I still want to accomplish,” he said. “It’s important to finish what helps Wyoming.”
Nicholas will take on Wyoming Republican Party Executive Director Kathy Russell in his reelection bid. The winner of this race already has a general election opponent in Democrat Jordan Evans, chairman of the Laramie County Democratic Party, whom Nicholas beat by about 750 votes in the 2022 general election.
Nicholas said he wants to substantially lower residential property taxes if reelected. He’s already been working with other lawmakers on a solution that blends previous efforts on property taxes to provide a solution that features various forms of relief to all Wyoming homeowners.
“Everyone is entitled to some type of property tax relief,” he said.
As far as his opponent, Nicholas said “East Coast interests” are driving what he sees as Russell’s negative agenda. He explained that many of the bills supported by the Wyoming GOP in recent years have been inspired by legislation crafted in other states.
“The best legislation put together is Wyoming-driven by our Legislature,” he said. “We don’t need pre-constructed, not-from-Wyoming bills brought by outside influences. It takes away from the mold that makes Wyoming Wyoming.”
Who’s Nicholas?
Nicholas is one of the higher-ranking members of the Wyoming House as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. This committee plays an instrumental role in crafting the state’s biennial and supplemental budgets.
Wyoming derives a significant portion of its revenues from mineral production. Nicholas said the finite supply of production related to this industry lends credence to the need to save enough money so that it can be invested and bring back a strong rate of return. Many conservatives in the Legislature have spoken against putting money in savings, arguing that it should be returned directly to taxpayers
It’s Nicholas’ perspective that by putting money into savings each year, it will save taxpayers more in the long run. He’s proud of the fact the Legislature has put nearly $2 billion into savings over the past two years.
“Conservative government must protect our greatest resource — our people,” he said. “Limited government and lower taxes help working people prosper and thrive. I will introduce and support legislation cutting taxes and putting your hard-earned income back in your own household, for your own family.”
If reelected, Nicholas said he’ll double down on savings to lower taxes further into the future and ensure quality education for Wyoming.
His last bill to pass into law came in 2022, when he successfully raised the salaries of Wyoming’s statewide elected officials.
During the 2024 session, Nicholas voted with most of the members of the Wyoming Caucus, a group of more moderate Republicans who have organized in opposition to the farther right Wyoming Freedom Caucus.
Russell, like the rest of the leadership of the Wyoming GOP, represents views consistent with the Freedom Caucus. She told Cowboy State Daily when she announced her campaign in March that she’s inspired to run because she doesn’t believe enough conservative legislation is getting passed by the Legislature.
Although he supported all of the major property tax bills passed by the Legislature and a bill banning transgender care for minors, Nicholas opposed other legislation banning gun-free zones and a bill requiring licensure for all surgical abortion facilities in Wyoming.
Nicholas also drew some attention this year after Wyoming Truth reported in a 2023 interview that he lives with his wife in Lander. Nicholas said this isn’t the case and the couple has a separate living arrangement.
“We have an understanding that seems to work,” he said.
The District
Nicholas moved over to House District 7, which encompasses north Cheyenne, as a result of 2022 redistricting.
Prior to Nicholas taking his seat, the district was represented by former state Rep. Sue Wilson.
Nicholas won his last Republican primary by about 350 votes.
Leo Wolfson can be reached at leo@cowboystatedaily.com.
