Mark Gordon

Mark Gordon
Born	14 3, 1957
Birthplace	New York City, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician, rancher
Known for	33rd Governor of Wyoming
Education	Middlebury College (BA)
Children	4

Mark Gordon (born March 14, 1957) is an American politician and rancher serving as the 33rd Governor of Wyoming since January 7, 2019. A member of the Republican Party, Gordon first entered Wyoming state government when then-Governor Matt Mead appointed him as the 29th Treasurer of Wyoming on October 26, 2012, following the death of incumbent treasurer Joseph Meyer. Born in New York City but long rooted in Wyoming's ranching landscape, Gordon has shaped the state's fiscal and energy policies across more than a decade of public service. His tenure as governor has encompassed significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and substantial state budget pressures tied to fluctuations in the energy sector. As of 2026, Gordon continues to serve as governor, overseeing executive appointments, signing executive orders on government ethics, and advancing partnerships in areas such as agriculture and civil protection.

Early Life

Mark Gordon was born on March 14, 1957, in New York City. He comes from a prominent American family with notable military connections. His great-uncle was George S. Patton, the famed World War II general, and his first cousin once removed was George Patton IV, who also served as a general in the United States Army. His aunt was Jean Gordon.

Though born in New York, Gordon eventually established deep roots in Wyoming, where he became involved in ranching. He operated the Merlin Ranch in Johnson County, Wyoming, which became well known in the region. The ranch served as a sponsor for community events, including the Wyoming Women's Antelope Hunt, reflecting Gordon's integration into Wyoming's rural and agricultural community.

Gordon's transition from East Coast origins to Wyoming rancher and eventual political figure traced a path common among certain Western politicians who combined business acumen with an affinity for the land-based economy that defines much of Wyoming's identity. His background in ranching provided him with firsthand knowledge of the economic and environmental issues facing rural Wyoming communities.

Education

Gordon attended Middlebury College, a private liberal arts institution in Middlebury, Vermont, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Career

Early Political Activity

Before assuming statewide office, Gordon was involved in Wyoming politics at various levels. In 2008, he sought the Republican nomination for Wyoming's at-large seat in the United States House of Representatives. The race drew multiple candidates in the Republican primary, and Gordon participated actively in the campaign, presenting his views on issues affecting Wyoming residents. Although he did not secure the nomination, the campaign raised his profile within Wyoming's Republican circles and demonstrated his interest in public service at the state and federal levels.

Wyoming State Treasurer (2012–2019)

On October 26, 2012, Governor Matt Mead appointed Gordon to serve as the 29th Treasurer of Wyoming, filling the vacancy created by the death of Joseph Meyer. Gordon was sworn into office on November 1, 2012, assuming responsibility for managing the state's investments, revenues, and financial operations.

As state treasurer, Gordon oversaw one of the more complex financial portfolios among U.S. states, as Wyoming's economy relies heavily on revenues from the energy sector, including coal, oil, and natural gas extraction. The treasurer's office manages the state's permanent mineral trust fund and other investment vehicles that are critical to Wyoming's fiscal stability. Gordon served in the position under Governor Mead for more than six years, gaining significant experience in state finance and governance.

His tenure as treasurer positioned him as a well-known figure in Wyoming politics and provided him with the financial policy expertise that would become central to his later gubernatorial campaign.

2018 Gubernatorial Campaign

Gordon entered the 2018 race for governor of Wyoming, competing in a contested Republican primary. His candidacy attracted endorsements from notable figures, including former U.S. Senator Malcolm Wallop, who represented Wyoming in the Senate from 1977 to 1995. Wallop's endorsement lent additional credibility to Gordon's campaign among conservative voters in the state.

The Casper Star-Tribune editorial board noted that Gordon held an edge in the Republican primary, citing his experience as state treasurer and his pragmatic approach to governance. Gordon prevailed in the primary and went on to win the general election, securing the governorship in a state where Republicans hold a dominant electoral advantage.

Following his election victory, Gordon outlined his vision for his first year in office, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, support for Wyoming's energy sector, and economic diversification efforts aimed at reducing the state's dependence on mineral revenues.

Governor of Wyoming (2019–present)

Mark Gordon was inaugurated as the 33rd Governor of Wyoming on January 7, 2019, succeeding Matt Mead. His governorship has spanned a period of significant challenges for the state, from energy market volatility and budget pressures to a global pandemic.

Budget and Fiscal Policy

One of the defining issues of Gordon's governorship has been managing Wyoming's state budget during periods of declining energy revenues. Wyoming relies more heavily on mineral extraction revenues than almost any other U.S. state, and fluctuations in coal, oil, and natural gas prices have a direct impact on state finances.

Gordon announced an additional $500 million in budget cuts as the state grappled with the economic consequences of reduced energy demand and falling commodity prices, compounded by the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The cuts affected multiple areas of state government and underscored the fiscal challenges facing energy-dependent states.

COVID-19 Pandemic Response

The COVID-19 pandemic posed a major governance challenge during Gordon's tenure. Gordon's initial approach to the pandemic drew both support and criticism. He was noted for not implementing a statewide mask mandate early in the pandemic, a decision consistent with the preferences of many Wyoming residents who prioritized individual liberty and limited government intervention.

However, as case numbers rose, Gordon announced a statewide mask order along with other restrictions designed to curb the spread of the virus. The mask order applied to indoor public spaces and was accompanied by limitations on gatherings and restaurant operations.

The mask mandate was subsequently extended, though the administration also loosened certain restrictions on restaurants and gatherings as conditions evolved. Eventually, Gordon announced that Wyoming would lift its mask mandate, reflecting declining case numbers and increasing vaccination rates across the state.

Gordon himself tested positive for COVID-19 during the pandemic. Both CBS News and the Associated Press reported on his positive test result.

Executive Actions and Government Ethics (2026)

In February 2026, Gordon signed an executive order prohibiting campaign contributions on state-owned property, including state office buildings and the Wyoming State Capitol complex. The order was issued in response to a controversy involving campaign contributions made within state buildings, and it was intended to reinforce ethical boundaries between government operations and political fundraising activities.

Notably, the executive order did not extend to areas within the Capitol where the Wyoming Legislature has jurisdiction, including the chambers and offices of the Wyoming House and Senate. Wyoming Public Media reported that the distinction reflected the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches.

Appointments and Proclamations

As governor, Gordon has exercised his appointment authority across a range of state offices, boards, and commissions. In February 2026, he submitted a list of nominees to the Wyoming Senate for confirmation, covering numerous state positions. That same month, he appointed a new State Public Defender, filling a position within Wyoming's criminal justice system.

Gordon also signed a proclamation honoring Engineers Week in February 2026, in coordination with the University of Wyoming, which organized statewide activities to promote engineering education and careers.

Personal Life

Mark Gordon has been a longtime resident of Wyoming, where he has operated the Merlin Ranch in Johnson County. He has four children.

Gordon's family has notable military ties. His great-uncle, George S. Patton, was one of the most prominent American military commanders of World War II, known for his leadership of the United States Third Army during the Allied campaigns in Europe. His first cousin once removed, George Patton IV, continued the family's military tradition, serving as a general in the United States Army.

Gordon tested positive for COVID-19 during the pandemic, as reported by multiple national news outlets in 2020.