John Wetzel (Republican)

1001 Ponderosa Ct
Powell, Wyoming 82435-4100
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John Wetzel has called Powell, Wyoming home for 34 years, building both a career and a life with his family in the community he loves. John worked in business management most of his career with 25 years spent as the general manager of the Buyer’s Guide in Cody. He is running for Wyoming House District 25 after nearly 20 years of local government service, including as Mayor and on the Powell City Council. John and his wife, Shelby, Executive Director of the Northwest College Foundation, raised three children in Powell: Claire, now a schoolteacher in Cody; Quin, a lawyer in Chicago; and Ben, a paramedic in Sheridan. Family has always grounded John's approach to public service — a belief that strong communities start at home. Now as a retiree, he has the full-time availability to bring his experience and commitment to local control to Cheyenne, fighting for strong schools, a growing economy, and protected public lands for the next generation.

John Wetzel brings nearly 20 years of local government experience having served on the Powell City Council and as Mayor. He has been active with the Wyoming Association of Municipalities (WAM), including service on its Legislative Leadership Committee, reviewing bills and shaping WAM's positions for members to discuss with legislators. Hands-on policy experience, paired with true local government service, prepares John to be an effective, informed voice for Powell and Park County in Cheyenne.

John's education began with a strong Catholic foundation at Archbishop Alter High School. He went on to earn a degree in History with a minor in Business from the University of Wyoming, followed by a master’s degree in Industrial Education with an emphasis in Graphic Communications and Printing Technology from Clemson University. This well-rounded background has shaped John's practical, detail-oriented approach to both his career and his public service.

Over his time in Powell, John has been President of the Powell Chamber of Commerce, active with Kiwanis, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and did a short stint with the Fire Department. He has served on the Habitat for Humanity and the Powell Recreation Boards, coached youth soccer, and been involved with the Powell Swim Club and the Powell Rod and Gun Club. His deep community involvement reflects John's lifelong commitment to Powell and its people.

I'm running for House District 25 because I believe the decisions that most affect our daily lives — our schools, our land, our economy — are best made by the people who actually live with the consequences. After nearly 20 years in local government, I've seen firsthand how state policy can either empower communities like ours or tie our hands, and I want to make sure Powell and Park County have a strong, experienced voice in Cheyenne fighting for local control. This state is personal to me. I’ve invested 34 years in it and will continue to do so to preserve our Wyoming way of life.

First, I'll work to restore local control over K-12 education funding by returning to a block grant model, so local school boards — not Cheyenne — decide how dollars are spent to meet the needs of their students and communities. Second, I'll focus on economic development that sets the table, using targeted infrastructure investment and a predictable regulatory climate to support the industries already driving our economy — oil and gas, agriculture, and tourism — while creating room for new opportunities to take root. Third, I'll stand firm against the sale or broad transfer of our federal public lands, while supporting targeted exchanges that improve public access — because these lands belong to all of us, and once they're gone, they're gone for good.