Barry Crago (Republican)
House District 40
Biography
I was raised on the family ranch in Belle Fourche, South Dakota where I developed a love of ranching and the value of hard work. In 1999, I earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from the University of Wyoming. I spent a semester in Washington, D.C. as an intern for the United States Senator Craig Thomas before returning to Wyoming to pursue a law degree. I received my Juris Doctor in 2004 from the University of Wyoming College of Law. In 2004-2005, I served as a judicial law clerk to Judge Clarence Brimmer of the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming. Currently, I have a very diverse work schedule. I serve as Deputy County Attorney in Johnson County, Wyoming, am a partner in Crago Law Offices, and manage the Willow Creek Ranch outside of Kaycee, Wyoming. I am also a freshman Republican legislator for House District 40, which covers Johnson and Sheridan counties in Wyoming. My wife Kristen and I have two daughters – Lily and Caroline.
Experience
To be honest, my entire career has prepared me for this job. I have been a lawyer for 18 years now. And all but one of those years I have been in JC. So, from a practical point of view, I am trained to read the law. I can see the holes in bills and see where we can improve them. I can also see if a bill is going to do harm despite its title and best intentions. I can also tell you that my job as a deputy county attorney and town attorney for Kaycee has really given me insight to the people
Education
I am a graduate of Casper College and the University of Wyoming with degrees in Agricultural Business. I am also a graduate of the Wyoming College of Law.
Community Activities and Memberships
Wyoming Stock Growers Association – Member
Wyoming Bar Association – Member
Johnson County Cattlemen Association – Member
Johnson County Sheriff’s Foundation – Board Member
Buffalo Christian Academy – Board Member
Why I am Running
I am running for the legislature because I love our community, our state, and our country. I feel a great sense of duty to protect our way of life – to keep Wyoming the way it is and the way it should be. I want my daughters to be able to raise their children in the Wyoming we know today – not some future version of our great state molded by outside political pressures.
Top 3 Priorities
1. Fixing the current property tax system
2. Fighting against federal overreach and protecting our State’s rights
3. Addressing the mental health crisis in Wyoming.
