Laurie Bratten (Republican)

1004 Big Goose Rd
Sheridan, Wyoming 82801
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I was born and raised in Ohio, moving west in my 30s. After teaching high school science for 7 years in a public school system, then working in sales, I chose to focus on raising a family when our daughter was born.

I’ve also lived in Florida and Colorado for work. When deciding where we wanted to live out our lives, we chose to move to Sheridan in 2017. Our daughter and son-in-law, a graduate of the University of Wyoming, are raising some of the next generation of Wyomingites – our 3 grandchildren – here in Wyoming.

We've focused on putting down roots in the community and managing our property, selling alfalfa, hay, and seasonal produce. My husband of 40 years and I both participate in many organizations and serve in many capacities.

Wyoming is more than just a place; it is the embodiment of the values upon which this nation was founded. I want to help preserve those values for your family and mine… for all of us who call Wyoming our home.

I've worked for/with conservative legislators in Colorado, Wyoming, & other states since 2010. I was the Congressional District Director for the 2nd largest ag district in the nation in 2015-16; currently Wyoming State Rep for House District 51 serving on Judiciary, Education, and Select School Facilities Committees. Agricultural business owner, active in the Sheridan Chamber: Govt Affairs & Ag Committees, and Sheridan County Republican Women, having served on the Legislative Action Committee.

I graduated with a BA in Biology and Comprehensive Science Education from Miami University in Ohio, and then taught science at a public high school in the suburbs of Cincinnati.

Member of the Sheridan Chamber of Commerce, on Govt Affairs & Agricultural Committees. Secretary for the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America & a member of the Sheridan County Republican Women; served on the Legislative Action Committee. Delegate to the State GOP convention three times & served on the Bylaws and Platform Committees. I’ve served on the Brinton Museum Gala Committee for 4 years, active in Big Horn Woman’s Club, Dayton Benefit Club, and I’m a Wyoming Master Gardener.

I’m running to serve everyone in HD51 and our state. One of my favorite roles is providing constituent services. Whether it’s helping you navigate a state issue, connecting you with your elected representatives at the local level, or helping you open a case at the federal level, I connect people and resources.

Despite increasing polarization in today’s political environment, I’ve proven that I can navigate choppy waters and work collaboratively with a wide range of legislators to advance meaningful legislation. That ability to build coalitions—without compromising core principles—is how real work gets done in Cheyenne.

My work is guided by a clear and consistent set of principles. I approach every issue with some key perspectives: the state and federal constitutions, the Republican Party Platform, and input from all constituents. These things provide a framework for every vote I take.

In Cheyenne there are many special interests and lobbyists from local, state, and national organizations. Those groups are important for their members and for the public as they come to the Capitol to give testimony on pending legislation. But who is in Cheyenne to represent you, the taxpayer? That would be me, your State Representative. I have never accepted one penny from any special interest group, lobbyist, or PAC. I have only accepted campaign contributions from individuals because I work hard to represent everyone in my district, especially you – the taxpayer.

Property Tax – I continue to hear concerns about property taxes. Though we recently passed some tax relief from the incredible escalation we’ve seen, Sheridan property tax collections increased 74% from 2019-2024, more than twice the rate of inflation over the same period even using an inflation measure that includes food & energy (Sources: Dept of Audit F66 reports & U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). A comprehensive approach is needed for real reform that ensures adequate, stable funding for essential services at the state and local levels.

Fiscal accountability & transparency – Funding for essential services requires an understanding of where government gets its funding, and what it does with it. This is critical because it’s the taxpayer who should influence where and how your tax dollars are spent, not some special interest. My individual legislative priority has been fiscal transparency and accountability. Government must always be accountable, and that begins with timely, accurate, and transparent reporting that is made easily accessible to you.

Economic growth & opportunity – Investing in local infrastructure positions entire communities for economic growth by providing an environment where business can thrive. That’s why I supported the County Consensus Grant program, which was also supported by our local county commissioners. This type of program benefits everyone in Sheridan County, including the towns of Clearmont, Dayton, Ranchester, and the City of Sheridan.