Republican challenger Jared Olsen beat Democratic incumbent Mary Throne in House District 11 of Laramie County. It was a close race, with Olsen winning by only 63 votes.
Representative Throne’s loss came despite raising more than $34,000, a remarkably high amount for a local race in Wyoming. It’s also remarkable considering she’s served five terms, most recently as the House Minority Floor Leader.
Jared Olsen has never held elected office, but that didn’t keep him from challenging a five-term incumbent. Olsen said Wyoming’s biggest issue is fixing its economy.
“I’m concerned about the same things everyone’s concerned about,” said Olsen. “I want to tackle this budget and make sure we get things taken care of and we take care of people and we take care of public employees.”
Olsen said he will remain the chairman for the Laramie County Republican Party.