Art Washut (Republican)

4031 Crystie Ln
Casper, Wyoming 82609-2387
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I was born and raised in Casper, attended local schools, and graduated from KWHS. I rose through the ranks and retired as the interim Chief of Police. I then joined the faculty at Casper College where I teach criminal justice, political science and addictionology classes. In 2017 I received the Judith Bailey Scully award for my teaching and contributions toward student success. In 2018 I received the Rosenthal Outstanding Educator Award and in 2019 I was recognized by the Wyoming Community College Trustees as the faculty member of the year for the state of Wyoming.

My wife Megan and I raised our family here and most of our children and all of our grandchildren live in Wyoming. I enjoy gardening, shooting firearms of all types, camping and fishing.

*First elected in 2018
*2019/20 served on House Judiciary Committee
*2021/22 named vice-chairman of that committee
*2023 and in 2025 two different House Speakers with very different political orientations entrusted the House Judiciary Committee to my leadership and named me chairman of the committee.
*Also served on the House Rules Committee and was Co-chairman of the State Shooting Complex Oversight Task Force
*During the 2026 session chaired the House Special Investigative Committee

I graduated from Casper College with an A.S. degree in law enforcement and then from Chadron State College with a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice. I was a professionally certified peace officer and a member of the Casper Police Department. I received extensive training as a member of the department and also earned a Masters in Public Administration degree from the University of Wyoming.

I have been an active member of the Casper community through the years and especially enjoyed coaching Tee Ball and youth baseball. I also served for many years as a board member for Casper Midget Football. I served on the Faculty Senate at Casper college for more than a decade. Related to my faith community I have been a lector. I also served as a board member and board president of St. Anthony Tri-Parish School. Most recently I have served on the board of directors for St. Anthony Manor

I love Wyoming and I want my grandchildren and others of their generation to be able to enjoy this beautiful state and find satisfying employment here.

Success in the legislature requires a detailed understanding of the process and solid relationships with other House members and Senators. It is a team sport. I have a proven track record. I have sponsored many different bills that have become law. I have taken up issues of concern raised by constituents and successfully resolved their issue with legislation. I am frequently called upon to carry committee bills and Senate Files on the House Floor because others have confidence that I can and will articulate the legislation accurately and effectively.

I am not a member of any caucus in the Wyoming House other than the Republican Caucus. My avoiding such divisive entanglements I have maintained an ability to work with other legislators of all stripes.

Wyoming faces many challenges including a lack of workforce housing, an insufficient number of quality jobs and not enough workers to fill the needs of new industries. We continue to work through the challenges created by the sudden and rapid increase in property values which resulted in high residential tax assessments. These challenges can all benefit from a legislator with insight and experience.

Another huge issue for our state is aging. We continue to see an increase in the number of retirees who settle in Wyoming and and exodus of young people who leave.

In addition to what I mentioned in WHY AM I RUNNING...

*Continue working on property tax issues without compromising our local governments and special districts
*Address needs/threats that have not been fully met; such as highway infrastructure, mental health care availability and crimes
*Continue improving school recalibration measures such as fine tuning the silo features and the regional cost adjustments.