The Lincoln County Republican Party has decided not to endorse any candidates ahead of the upcoming primary election, citing limited participation and a need for more information.

Chairman Lance Oviatt discussed the decision during an appearance on the Weekday Wake-up on July 20, explaining that the issue arose after changes at the state level encouraged county parties to consider endorsements.

“The state party amended their bylaws to really encourage county parties to look at this option,” Oviatt said. “It’s always been legal, but it’s just really never been done.”

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To evaluate the possibility, the county party distributed a survey to all Republican candidates. However, Oviatt said response was minimal.

“We sent out a survey… to all the candidates in the county, and only five responded,” he said.

Those who responded included Bill Winney, Scott Heiner, John Long, Jessica Lozier and Dawn Marquardt. Oviatt declined to speculate on why other candidates did not participate.

“I don’t want to put words in their mouth… I would encourage people to talk to them and ask them why they responded or why they didn’t respond,” he said.

Following the survey, the party held a special meeting in Cokeville to discuss the issue. Oviatt said the outcome was to maintain the status quo for this election cycle.

“The county party decided not to endorse candidates in the primary this election cycle due to a lack of information,” he said.

He emphasized the decision was not a reflection of candidate quality.

“It wasn’t that we favored any over any other,” Oviatt said. “I’m not saying that anyone was a good candidate or a bad candidate—leave that up to the voters this time around.”

Instead of endorsements, the party is focusing on providing voters with more accessible candidate information. Oviatt said candidates have been invited to submit short video responses to three questions, which will be shared online.

“People can go there… and find out what their stances are, what their beliefs are, and learn a little bit more about them,” he said.

Additional opportunities to hear from candidates are also planned. A “Meet the Candidates” event is scheduled for July 29 at 7 p.m. at the Thayne Community Center, and a GOP booth at the Lincoln County Fair will allow voters to interact with candidates in person.

Oviatt said the endorsement discussion may return in future elections, particularly as parties address broader concerns about primary integrity.

“The real issue is… you’re having a problem, even in Wyoming, [with] encouraging candidates to run as Republicans just to mess with the Republican primary,” he said. “This is one way to address it, and there are others.”

He added that the Wyoming Republican Party was scheduled to meet later that day to consider endorsements at the state level.