CHEYENNE, Wyo. — In this edition of “Meet the Candidates,” Darin Smith shares with Cap City News how he envisions governing Wyoming if elected to the state Legislature. Smith is one of six people running for Senate District 6.
The following are responses that Smith shared with Cap City News. To view the Q&As of other candidates who have also submitted answers to us, click here.
What are your top three legislative priorities if elected to the Wyoming State Senate, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My top three legislative priorities are reducing property taxes, protecting Wyoming’s industries (especially coal) from literally being canceled by federal overreach, and enhancing parental rights and school choice. To achieve these, I plan to introduce and support legislation that reduces property taxes for all homeowners. I will work to ensure the Wyoming legislature is fighting for our mining, energy, and agricultural sectors and shielding them from excessive federal regulations. I will help provide a counterweight to the current Governor who is trying to sell Wyoming down the river in exchange for the Green New Deal. And, I will advocate for policies that expand school choice options and strengthen parental involvement in education. Everything lives and dies on leadership, and I am a leader. By leading in the legislature and engaging with community stakeholders, I will to build broad support for these initiatives.
What policies do you support to stimulate economic growth and diversify Wyoming’s economy beyond its traditional industries?
To stimulate economic growth and diversify Wyoming’s economy, I advocate for policies that promote a free-market environment and reduce government interference. Rather than providing incentives, I support removing unnecessary regulations and barriers that stifle business growth. Investing in essential infrastructure improvements is crucial, but only when it supports core industries. By creating a business-friendly environment with minimal government intrusion, we can attract investments and build a robust, resilient economy.
How do you plan to support and improve the education system and workforce training programs in Wyoming?
I aim to improve our education system by expanding school choice, giving parents the ability to select the best educational environment for their children. I will work to ensure that education funding is used directly to improve classroom learning and put the money in the classroom toward improved education and teachers pay. I am committed to banning controversial programs that push progressive, anti-American agendas, such as CRT in the curriculum, which undermines our Wyoming values. For workforce development, I will ensure that training programs are closely aligned with the needs of local industries, providing practical skills that directly benefit students and employers. Collaboration with educational institutions and businesses is also essential to create training programs that are both effective and relevant.
What measures would you advocate for to improve healthcare access and affordability for Wyoming residents?
To improve healthcare access and affordability, I support measures that cut through bureaucracy and enhance transparency in healthcare pricing. Insurance providers should be held accountable for adequately covering conditions, especially when patients are forced into socialized medical systems.
I advocate for increasing competition among providers to drive down costs and ensure quality care.
Additionally, I will push for reforms that address the shortcomings of our current system, which often leaves patients with inadequate coverage and high medical debt. We need to prioritize patient choice and ensure that insurance policies meet the needs of Wyoming residents, not the other way around.
How do you plan to balance Wyoming’s energy production with environmental conservation and sustainability efforts?
I support fully utilizing Wyoming’s abundant energy resources while reducing unnecessary regulations. By streamlining regulatory processes and promoting the responsible development of our traditional energy sectors, we can maintain our energy independence and drive economic growth. Advancing traditional energy sources has alway led to huge advancements in technology and a cleaner environment through free market forces. Therefore, we should focus on leveraging our natural resources to support our state’s economy and energy needs without undue interference.
Is there anything else you’d like voters to know about you?
I will never let them down and I am deeply committed to serving the people of Wyoming with integrity and dedication. My background in law, business, and community service has given me a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our state. I am passionate about making a positive impact and believe that by working together, we can address Wyoming’s needs and build a brighter future for all residents.
