JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Jackson resident Paul Vogelheim this week announced the launch of his election campaign for Wyoming House District 23. Vogelheim (R-Jackson) will run for the HD23 seat to be vacated by Andy Schwartz (D-Jackson), who announced last week he will not seek reelection.
“Those of us who have been blessed to call Teton County home know that we as a community face many challenges and the laws passed in Cheyenne have a direct impact on our ability to tackle those challenges,” Vogelheim said. “Teton County needs a voice in the state legislature who can advocate for our schools, hospitals, roads and bridges. A voice that will champion our small businesses and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, and someone can help facilitate creative solutions to our housing crisis. Finally, I intend to be someone who will stand up to protect the unique character of this county and the parallel priorities of community and conservation we hold dear.”
Vogelheim served more than a decade on the Teton County Board of Commissioners, including as the chair. He currently serves on the boards of the Community Foundation Jackson Hole (executive committee), One-22: Resource Center and Jackson Cupboard, St. John’s Health Foundation, The Center for the Secret of Peace (Rwanda), ConservAmerica, and the Jackson Hole Friends of Scouting.
“As I begin my campaign and my listening, I understand our community’s challenges include dramatic property tax increases, the lack of affordable workforce housing, access to care for behavioral health issues, and the loss of key teachers due to our high cost of living,” Vogelheim assured.
Vogelheim lives north of Jackson with his two step-daughters and three dogs.
Teton County is currently represented at the state level by Democrats Mike Gierau (Senator), Michael Yin (House Representative), and Andy Schwartz (House Representative), as well as Republican Dan Dockstader (Senator), and Independent Jim Roscoe (House Representative).
“For too long, Teton County has been playing defense in Cheyenne,” Vogelheim stated. “It is critical for our community to have a seat at the table with leadership and have the ability to chair important statewide committees, like the Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee. As a Republican, I will be in a position to do just that while representing Teton County’s core values.”
Vogelheim expects to draw from his working relationships across the state to be impactful on day one in the Legislature. His fellow state-wide commissioners recognized him as Wyoming Commissioner of the year in 2016. He is a graduate of Leadership Wyoming’s class of 2010, and he served on the Governor’s Special Districts’ Taskforce.
