Educator & Policy Leader Chad Auer Announces Candidacy for Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction
CHEYENNE, Wyo, March 24, 2026 — Chad Auer, a longtime educator, policy leader, and most recently, Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Mark Gordon, announced his candidacy for Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction today. With over two decades of educational experience spanning the classroom, school administration, and high-level state leadership, Auer enters the race with a clear vision: preparing Wyoming’s young people for the opportunities available here in Wyoming, nationally, and globally.
“I have been encouraged by people I deeply respect to run because of my experience and commitment to quality education,” said Auer. “Wyoming deserves a superintendent who believes in our public schools, is passionate about education, and wants to ensure parents have a voice in their child’s education.” As a conservative, Auer believes when we focus on education, not indoctrination, our children have bright futures.
By aligning workforce development with classroom instruction, Auer aims to support seamless pathways for students to enter high-demand careers in the Cowboy State’s core and growing industries: energy, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, manufacturing, technology and more.
“We are at a promising crossroads,” Auer stated. “Wyoming must choose to equip our children to pursue their American dreams, rather than settling for the status quo. I stand with the vast majority of parents and educators as we face the future with optimism and thoughtful innovation.”
Auer’s commitment to school safety is rooted in action. During his tenure as the Deputy Superintendent of the Wyoming Department of Education, he led a statewide school safety tour, convening roundtables with law enforcement, parents, and students. In addition to prioritizing literacy and math proficiency, he will prioritize dedicated funding for School Resource Officers (SROs), mental health support, and strengthening school infrastructure.
Auer earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 2021. He holds a master’s degree in education administration, leadership, and policy. He served as Mayor of Firestone, Colorado, where he led regional economic development efforts. “Our family chose to call Wyoming home, because of Wyoming’s education system and it would be an honor to help make our schools even stronger.”