House Candidate Dies Prior to Election

Wyoming House District 53 Representative Roy Edwards passed away earlier today, according to two high-level government officials.

Edwards was born and raised in Campbell County. He served on the Gillette City Council and Campbell County Board of Commissioners before being elected to the Wyoming Legislature. Edwards had served in the Legislature since 2015.

Edwards was running unopposed to retain his House District 53 position in the Legislature. Edwards’ death will require appointment of a qualified elector to complete his current term ending this year.

According to a statement from the Wyoming Secretary of State’s office, “With regard to Representative Edwards’ current unopposed race in House District 53, Wyoming Statute § 22-18-101(d) directs that ‘If a person who has died is elected, a vacancy in office shall occur and the office shall be filled in the same manner as it is filled when a vacancy occurs after the term of office has begun.’ As such, the task will fall to the Republican Central Committee in accordance with Wyoming Statute § 22-18-111(a)(iii) to fill the vacancy.”

11/2/2020 4:45 PM

Governor Mark Gordon has ordered the Wyoming State Flag be flown at half staff at the State Capitol and in Campbell County. The flag shall remain at half staff until sundown on the day of interment.

11/3/2020

Story updated with information received from Wyoming Secretary of State’s office.

This is a breaking news story. County 17 will update as more information becomes available.

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THE NEWS HASN'T CHANGED... THE DELIVERY HAS.