Every now and then in public life, amidst the noise and division, real progress happens. In 2025, we’ve seen meaningful policy changes at the national level that align with the values many Wyoming families share — especially those grounded in law, security, personal liberty, and economic opportunity.
Let’s be honest — not all of public life is broken. There are wins worth recognizing, because leadership that builds on what works is how good things become great things.
As someone running for Governor of Wyoming in 2026, I think it’s important to celebrate the good and to learn from it. It gives us a foundation to move forward — not just as a state, but as a people.
What’s Working: National Policy Moves That Align With Wyoming Values
In Washington this year, there have been several substantive moves that reflect strong, principle-based action — particularly in areas many Wyomingites care deeply about.
- Border Security and Immigration Enforcement
One of the clearest areas of progress has been national action to secure our borders — a position that resonates deeply with Wyoming values of law, order, and protecting our communities. President Trump’s administration has prioritized multiple executive actions aimed at tightening immigration policy and strengthening enforcement at the southern border, including:
- A series of executive orders focused on securing the border, restricting unlawful entry, and reinforcing immigration enforcement mechanisms.
- Continued emphasis on a robust border — including funding and legislation aimed at border infrastructure and enforcement resources — signaling a commitment to national security.
While these policies are debated in courts and across campuses, for many Wyoming families they reflect a clear commitment to the rule of law over chaos at our borders. This resonates strongly with people who want government focused more on defending the nation than redefining it.
- Protecting Free Speech and Legal Rights
In 2025, there have been significant federal moves to reaffirm what many see as foundational freedoms. An executive order titled “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship” was issued to affirm that government should not be in the business of limiting lawful expression by citizens.
For many families — especially those who feel the culture of free expression is under threat — this was a welcome sign that the federal government acknowledges the importance of free discourse as a cornerstone of liberty. It matters whether we agree on everything or not — what matters more is that open conversation remains protected.
- Increased Focus on Practical Security Strategy
New national defense strategies announced this year shift away from endless foreign entanglements toward a focus on regional security and border defense, alongside investments in modern defense capabilities and technology.
The message here is clear: America’s first job is to keep its own people safe — a message that resonates with citizens everywhere, especially in states like Wyoming that value stability and security for their families and communities.
A Wyoming Lens on Progress
None of these wins are perfect — and we should always look critically at both results and methods. But we can acknowledge when policy is trending in the direction of law, liberty, and protection of citizens — especially when those trends align with Wyoming’s values.
Because this isn’t about personality. It’s about priorities.
For example:
- Law and order isn’t a talking point — it’s a baseline for safe communities.
- Secure borders aren’t optional — they keep families and jobs protected.
- Freedom of speech isn’t symbolic — it’s the soil where ideas grow.
- Rural support isn’t charity — it’s investment in the future of food production and heritage.
These are policies Wyoming families understand because they aren’t abstract — they affect real life.
What This Means for the 2026 Governor’s Race
As Wyoming prepares for the 2026 governor’s race, we need leadership that understands not just what’s wrong, but what works — and how to bring those lessons home.
Too often candidates talk about problems without pointing to real policy results that resonated with everyday people. Good leadership learns from victories and adapts them to local challenges.
That’s what Be Something Different means:
- Recognizing what’s good without ignoring what’s broken.
- Building on real policy wins rather than rehashing talking points.
- Bringing a people-first perspective to leadership at the state level.
It’s one thing to criticize.
It’s another to look at what works and ask:
How do we make that better for our schools, our families, our communities?
Celebrating the Good and Building the Future
There is good in Wyoming.
There is good in the nation.
Policy that aligns with principle still happens — especially when people demand it.
As Wyoming’s next governor, I won’t shy away from recognizing the wins that reflect values we all share — security, law, freedom, and opportunity — and I won’t stop pushing for solutions that match the everyday needs of Wyoming families.
Because we don’t just want to be different from politics-as-usual.
We want to be different in results — better in outcomes — and stronger as a people.
🖊️ Write-In Joseph Kibler for Governor in 2026.
Let’s celebrate what’s working — and build the Wyoming our families deserve.