Frequently Asked Questions
Election & Voting Logistics
The Wyoming Primary Election is Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Polls are typically open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, early voting starts July 21, 2026.
Senate District 19 covers a vast and vital portion of the Big Horn Basin, spanning parts of both Park and Big Horn Counties. This district includes the communities of Powell, Lovell, Greybull, Byron, Cowley, Garland, Deaver and Frannie.
Specifically, the district boundaries run:
- From the West: Starting at Road 12 in the Powell area.
- To the East: Extending to the eastern boundary of Big Horn County.
- From the North: Reaching the Montana state line.
- To the South: Extending to the midpoint between Basin and Greybull.
Voters can find their specific polling location through the Wyoming Secretary of State website or by contacting the Big Horn or Park County Clerk offices.
As of the current 2026 election cycle, the primary candidates for Wyoming Senate District 19 include R.J. Kost (Republican) and Paul Hoeft.
No. The seat is currently held by Republican Senator Dan Laursen, who was elected in 2022 but isn’t seeking re-election in 2026. R.J. Kost previously held this seat from 2019 to 2022 and is running to return.
The Primary Election is Tuesday, August 18, 2026. This election will determine the party nominees for the General Election held on November 3, 2026.
This information is updated as of May 2026. For the most current list of candidates and voting information, please visit the Big Horn County or Park County Clerk websites.
Background & Personal Life
R.J. Kost was born in Greybull and grew up on a family farm near Otto. Working on the farm throughout his youth instilled in him the values of hard work, grit, and responsibility. These early experiences shaped his deep appreciation for Wyoming’s agricultural heritage. R.J. has called the Big Horn Basin home his entire life with the exception of the first seven years he taught and coached in Dubois, and has lived in Powell since 1982.
R.J. spent 43 years in the Wyoming education system. He worked as a mathematics teacher, coach, and curriculum coordinator. He also served as a municipal judge in Dubois early in his career and currently serves on several community boards.
R.J. is deeply involved in local and state leadership. He currently serves as a member of the Wyoming State Board of Education, a position he was appointed to by the Governor. Locally, he serves on the board for the Powell Schools Federal Credit Union, representing the interests of Park County School District #1 and Northwest College. He is also a member of the Northwest College Board of Trustees, NWC Foundation, Powell Economic Partnership, and the Powell Valley Healthcare Board.
Political Record & Positions
Yes. R.J. Kost served as the State Senator for District 19 from 2019 to 2022. During his term, he was known for his thorough research and collaborative approach to legislation.
During his previous term, R.J. served on the Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee and the Judiciary Committee. He also worked extensively on education recalibration.
R.J.’s leadership is guided by faith, family, and integrity. He believes in local control, limited government, and protecting the constitutional rights of every Wyoming citizen.
As someone raised on a farm, R.J. is a steadfast advocate for Wyoming’s agricultural industry. He supports policies that protect water rights, promote local ranching and farming, and ensure the Big Horn Basin remains a leader in production.
R.J. believes in doing the work. He researches the fine print of every bill. He listens to the concerns of all constituents and collaborates with other legislators to ensure rural Wyoming has a strong voice in Cheyenne.
As a career educator with 43 years of experience, R.J. is an unwavering supporter of Wyoming’s schools. He believes in providing high-quality opportunities for our students while maintaining local control. His work on the State Board of Education and the Northwest College Board of Trustees demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that our education system remains accountable to parents and prepares the next generation for success.
R.J. is a strong believer that our public lands are not for sale. He understands that access to these lands is vital for our economy, our heritage, and our way of life in the Big Horn Basin. He will fight to protect public access and ensure these lands remain in public hands for future generations of Wyomingites to enjoy.
Campaign & Support
R.J. represents all people of District 19. He believes in a government that is accessible and responsive to every citizen in the Big Horn Basin.
You can reach the campaign through the Contact page on this website. R.J. prioritizes listening to his constituents and encourages residents to share their concerns and ideas.