Marc Torriani is running for Senate District 6, one of Wyoming’s most crowded primary races. As this primary season comes to an end, we reached out to him to see how the race was going and to learn a bit more about why he is running.

What have you learned from campaigning and talking to the people of Wyoming?

I’ve made extensive efforts to meet as many people and registered republicans in the district as possible by going door to door, and it appears that I am the only one doing so. I’ve been invited in homes, on porches, in barns and garages, and even churches. People are generally tired of politics as usual, people who have run for office or been in office before or are political insiders. They want responsiveness and someone without conflicts of interest. Discussion topics range from property taxes to water, faith and sanctity of life to concerns about Wyoming turning into another Colorado with sub-division sprawl and recently announced projects like data centers and wind/solar industrial sites.

What has been the best and worst thing about campaigning?

It takes a great deal of energy. We don’t have a big campaign staff – it’s mostly family and a few friends – everyone chips in as much as they can outside of work and taking care of family. I’m fortunate to have their help and fortunate to have a high level of energy and optimism every day I wake up.

What, When, and Where do you have any events planned?

We have been participating in local events and meet the candidate forums. The next events will be:

3 August – Pine Bluffs Trail Days
6 August – American Veterans of Foreign Wars, Guernsey (4pm onwards)
7 Platte County Republican Party Meet the candidate Forum (Wheatland High School 6pm onwards)

If anyone has additional events or an opportunity to meet or speak with people, feel free to reach out and contact us at: marcforwyoming.com

Why have you decided to run in this election?

I’m running for Senate for several reasons.

First, I’m highly concerned about the lack of focus in the state government about preserving the reasons Wyoming is such a great place to live and supporting the farmers, ranchers and rural communities that are the backbone of Wyoming’s identity. There are candidates in this Senate district race who believe sprawling subdivisions of the sort that have been built in and destroyed Colorado (with high property taxes, traffic, a lurch to the left in politics and values, and just as importantly without taking into account impact on water) are ‘inevitable’ and combined with solar and wind ‘farms’ and data centers are ‘progress’. The combined impact of all of these will hit Wyoming hard, from increasing demand for water we don’t have to increasing property taxes for required services (from police to fire to roads to schools) and much higher utility rates (there’s a direct correlation between industrial utility solar and wind and higher rates). And just as importantly, all of these factors will drive farmers and ranchers out as they have and continue to do in Colorado – how can Wyoming remain ‘the Cowboy State’ without them? Do we really want to become a California or Cali-rado? That’s not the Wyoming l want to leave my grandchildren. We can have ‘progress’ preserving the Wyoming way of life.

Secondly, I see a great deal of mismanagement and lack of forward planning in the state’s finances, from the state’s budget and revenue sources, to property taxes. Wyoming has long relied on severance and royalty fees which are under threat from current federal government policies and energy policies. There’s no plan to replace possible reductions. The recent property tax increases also cry out for reform and rollbacks- our state has a percentage of seniors and vets on fixed income that can’t afford increases like we’ve seen. Nor can Farmers and ranchers with the high impacts of inflation, federal policies and volatility of prices for the products that they produce which have caused most to reduce their outputs in recent years (from beef to crops). All of these people, and the middle class, need relief and the entire approach to property taxes needs reform.

Have you held a political office before, or have you run before?

No, but I have dealt with politicians, bureaucrats and legislators around the world in building and managing successful telecom businesses. I bring a strong understanding of legislative processes, finance and what it takes to ensure businesses and economies prosper – getting government out of the way.

What is your background and what qualifies you to be elected to office?

I’ve got a strong, successful business background proven in difficult environments, turning businesses around, getting things done. A Senator should be more than a voting record, and certainly not someone who thinks that they should only serve when the legislators are in session. I’m a rancher with my hands in the earth and feet on the ground. I will be proactive in helping of communities by pursuing greater control by communities of state funds, and helping to attract investment and jobs, as well as helping farmers and ranchers be more successful.

What will be your number one priority if elected to office?

Representing all communities and people in district 6, and working to ensure government stays out of their way as well as small and efficient, and preserves the Wyoming way of life.

Do you believe that there are issues in current state politics? What will you do to address these issues? If you don’t believe there are issues, how do you plan to keep the status quo?

Yes, there are issues with dysfunction and lack of civility in discourse, and focus on getting things done. There’s too much drama and focus on labeling on all sides. Who does that serve? We need more conservative legislators but one’s who focus on things that matter to Wyomingites and act like the adults in the room.

As a Republican candidate, would you be willing to sign a pledge to follow the State GOP platform by at least 80%? If not, why?

Absolutely, I’ve read the platform and can’t understand how anyone would find 80 percent or even up to 100 percent of the platform objectionable.

Who do you get inspiration from? Are there any leaders or politicians, past or present, that you admire?

Teddy Roosevelt, a great leader who knew how to get things done that benefited the common man and woman, and the nation. He valued the land, nature, fought against crony politics and was a true populist. Ronald Reagan as well – for touring around the nation, restoring pride and our standing in the world.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’m not pursuing this for any other reason than to ensure the Wyoming we love today is successful and retains its identity and way of life in the future – for our children and grandchildren. I have no political career ambitions or conflict of interests. In fact, I will donate the Senator salary compensation received to community initiatives and charities that improve lives in the district.