John Barrasso
John Barrasso is a Republican U.S. Senator representing Wyoming since his appointment in 2007. He was appointed to the Senate after the passing of Craig L. Thomas, with his candidacy backed by the Wyoming Republican State Central Committee and appointed by Democratic Governor Dave Freudenthal. Barrasso, a trained orthopedic surgeon, began his political career in the Wyoming State Senate, where he served from 2002 to 2007, holding the position of chairman of the Transportation and Highways Committee. He has successfully won re-election to the Senate multiple times, with significant victories in 2008, 2012, and 2018.
In the Senate, Barrasso has been involved in various committees, including Energy and Natural Resources, Finance, and Foreign Relations, and currently serves as the Chair of the Senate Republican Conference. Politically, he identifies as a right-leaning moderate, holding conservative views on issues such as abortion, gun rights, and education. While he initially questioned the scientific consensus on climate change, he later acknowledged the impact of human activity on the climate. Barrasso is also known for his support of former President Donald Trump. He has a family that includes a son and a daughter, and he is married to his second wife, Bobbi Brown.
John Barrasso.
Republican Senator John Anthony Barrasso has represented Wyoming in the US Senate since a special appointment in late June 2007. Democratic Governor Dave Freudenthal named Barrasso to the seat following the death of Craig L. Thomas. A medical doctor by training, Barrasso served the Wyoming State Senate before beginning his career in Washington, DC.
Early Life & Education
Barrasso was born on July 21, 1952, in Casper, Wyoming. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University in 1974. In 1978, he graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine, earning his Doctor of Medicine degree. Before beginning a career in politics, he worked for over twenty years as a certified orthopedic surgeon.
Political Career
In 1996, Barrasso mounted an unsuccessful campaign for the US Senate; he was defeated in the primary by Republican Mike Enzi. Barrasso campaigned successfully in 2002 for a seat in the Wyoming State Senate. He was reelected in 2006. As a state senator, Barrasso served as chairman of the Transportation and Highways Committee.
On June 4, 2007, Republican Senator Craig Thomas passed away. Under the law, the governor of Wyoming could consider only three candidates to replace Thomas, each of whom had to be submitted to him by Wyoming's Republican State Central Committee. Governor Freudenthal named Barrasso to Thomas's Senate seat on June 22.
Barrasso's special appointment to the Senate was valid until a special election was held in November 2008. In 2008, Barrasso beat Democratic challenger Nick Carter to retain his Senate seat. Barrasso was reelected in 2012 and 2018, beating Democrats Tim Chestnut and Gary Trauner, respectively, by large majorities. He has served on the Committees on Energy and Natural Resources, Finance, and Foreign Relations, and Barrasso is the current Chair of the Senate Republican Conference as well as the ranking member of the Energy and National Resources committee. In April 2024, Barrasso announced he was seeking another six-year term as senator. He secured his spot on the ballot during the August primary election and went on to win the November general election, defeating the Democratic nominee, Scott Morrow.
On the Issues
In terms of political philosophy, Barrasso is a right-leaning moderate. He is an antiabortion politician and has voted in support of prayer in school and against same-sex marriage. Barrasso is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and is highly acclaimed by the National Rifle Association. While initially Barrasso denied a scientific consensus on climate change, he later admitted that human activity did impact the climate. Barrasso was a supporter of former President Donald Trump, opposing his second impeachment and voting against the creation of the January 6 commission.
Barrasso has a son and a daughter. He is married to his second wife, Bobbi Brown.
Bibliography
“Biography - United States Senator John Barrasso.” Senator John Barrasso, 2023, www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/biography. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024.
“Committee Assignments - United States Senator John Barrasso.” Senator John Barrasso, 2023, www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/committee-assignments. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024.
“John Barrasso's Issue Positions.” Votesmart.org, 2018, justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/political-courage-test/52662/john-barrasso. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024.