The Open Range Record is conducting a poll to determine which of the U.S. House of Representatives candidates will be invited to our 2026 High Plains Republican Primary Debates.
We believe that elections should be a battle of ideas. Candidates should engage with one another to test and defend their positions. Far too often in politics, we forego the rigors of debate in favor of candidate forums. The only thing a forum reveals about a candidate is that they have an opinion—nothing more. There’s no scrutiny in a forum, no challenge and no defense.
That’s why The Open Range Record has decided to host two debates. The first will be between the Congressional candidates.
Holding a fair debate between 10 people is impossible—5 will be a challenge. For the month of June, we will be running a poll to determine which 5 candidates Wyoming voters want to hear from on the debate stage. Results of the poll will be released June 30.
Should one of the top five candidates in our poll choose not to participate, we will fill their spot on the stage with the first runner-up.
Without a doubt, voter apathy is the biggest problem in our electoral system. It’s our hope that this poll will encourage candidates’ supporters to engage and win a seat on our debate stage.
The second debate of the evening will feature those people vying for Wyoming’s Governor’s mansion. All 3 gubernatorial candidates will be invited to participate in the night’s second debate.
More details will follow as we get closer to July 16. Until then, The Open Range Record invites you to participate in our poll.
Click Here for the poll or fill it out below.