Ken Chestek (Democratic)

4317 Cliff St.
Laramie, Wyoming 82070
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I have lived in Wyoming for 10 years. I practiced law in Pennsylvania for 21 years before entering academia in 2000. I am active with the Wyoming Democratic Party, serving on the State Central Committee and as a delegate for Hillary Clinton to the 2016 Democratic National Convention in 2016. Since 2016 I have been active in the national movement to get money out of politics, being one of the founders of the Wyoming-based group Wyoming Promise. I work tirelessly to return control of our government to the voters, not to big donors.

I am married with grown children and several grandchildren. I am an avid runner, having completed full marathons in all 50 states.

1979-2000, private practice of law in Pennsylvania.
2000-2003, law professor, University of Michigan
2003-2012, law professor, Indiana University
2012-present, law professor, University of Wyoming (tenured 2019)

My specialty in law teaching is in legal writing, which includes legal analysis, drafting of contracts, briefs, and other legal documents. Part of my courses include teaching how to read and interpret statutes, a skill that will serve me well as a member of the Wyoming Legislature

B.A. in English, 1975, Penn State University
J.D. 1979, University of Pittsburgh School of Law

(selected activities and memberships)

Founding member and chair, Wyoming Promise, 2017-present (advocacy group to get money out of politics)
Chair, University of Wyoming Faculty Senate (2019-2020)
President, Legal Writing Institute, 2010-2012 (national organization of legal writing professors)
Member, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Laramie (2012-present; treasurer 2008-2010)

The legislature needs a diversity of voices in order to make good decisions for Wyoming citizens. I want to lift up all citizens and help to create a level playing field where all Wyomingites can live up to their best, most authentic selves. I have the skill set to be an effective legislator as well as an effective voice for all citizens, most importantly those marginalized by some of the recent bills introduced and even adopted.

1. Protect the environment
2. Diversify the Wyoming economy
3. Work to get money out of politics.

The first two priorities are related. For too long, Wyoming has depended on the mineral and oil and gas extraction industries to fund state government. As the world market moves away from those sources of energy, we need to do more than just stamp our feet and complain. We need to develop alternative, renewable energy sources to diversify our economy while reducing carbon emissions.