Pete Gosar Explained

Pete Gosar
Office:Chair of the Wyoming Board of Education
Term Start:February 14, 2015
Term End:February 18, 2017
Predecessor:Ron Micheli
Successor:Walt Wilcox
Birth Name:Peter Thomas Gosar
Birth Date:29 December 1967
Birth Place:Rock Springs, Wyoming, U.S.
Party:Democratic
Relatives:Paul Gosar (brother)
Education:San Juan College
University of Wyoming (BA)

Peter Thomas Gosar (born December 29, 1967) is an American politician. Gosar was the Democratic nominee for Governor of Wyoming in 2014 but lost to Republican Matt Mead. Gosar also served as chair of the Wyoming Democratic Party and as chair of the Wyoming Board of Education.

Early life and education

Gosar was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming to Antone John Gosar and Bernadette M. (née Erramouspe) Gosar, the seventh of ten children, and is of Basque and Slovenian descent. He grew up in Pinedale, Wyoming and is the younger brother of Paul Gosar, a Republican U.S. Representative from Arizona.

Gosar attended the University of Wyoming from 1986 until 1990, where he played linebacker on the Wyoming Cowboys football team.[1] [2] He also holds an associate degree in aviation technology from San Juan College, which he obtained in 1999.[3]

Career

Gosar was a teacher with the Pinedale Public Schools.[3]

Gosar first ran for governor of Wyoming in 2010, but lost the Democratic primary to Leslie Petersen.[4] [5] He again ran for governor in 2014, when he won the Democratic primary unopposed[6] but lost the general election to Republican incumbent Matt Mead.[7]

Gosar served as a member of the Wyoming Board of Education from 2011 until 2017. He was Chairman of the Board beginning in 2015.[8] His term as chairman and his tenure on the Board of Education ended on February 18, 2017. He was succeeded as chairman by Walt Wilcox.[9]

Gosar has also served as chairman of the Democratic Party of Wyoming.[10]

Gosar has served as an Albany County Commissioner since 2018. He is presently the Albany County Commission Chairman. Gosar is a pilot in Laramie, Wyoming.

Political positions

Gosar is often contrasted with his brother, Paul Gosar, an Arizona congressman who is a staunch conservative.[11] While Paul supports criminalizing abortion, Pete believes it should be legal. He is a supporter of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.[12]

Peter has appeared in advertisements for Paul's Democratic opponent as well as advertisements denouncing Paul.[13]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Pete Gosar announces run for Wyoming governor. Neary, Ben. The Washington Times. May 17, 2014. February 4, 2018.
  2. Web site: Pete Gosar. Sports-reference.com. September 23, 2018.
  3. Web site: Pete Gosar's Biography. Vote Smart. July 24, 2019.
  4. Web site: Demo candidate aims to 'stay another day'. Pelzer, Jeremy. Casper Star-Tribune. July 20, 2010. February 4, 2018.
  5. Web site: Meyer concedes to Mead in Wyo.. Taylor, Jessica. Politico. August 18, 2010. February 4, 2018.
  6. Web site: Democrat Pete Gosar wants voters to look beyond his party. Neary, Ben. Gillette News Record. August 17, 2014. February 4, 2018.
  7. Web site: Pete Gosar Announces Run for Wyoming Governor. KTWO (AM). May 18, 2014. February 4, 2018.
  8. News: Dorgan. Ryan. Gosar named chairman of Wyoming Board Of Education. February 14, 2015. Casper Star Tribune. April 26, 2019.
  9. News: Klamann. Seth. State Board of Education elects new chairman, announces new statewide assessment. February 18, 2017. April 26, 2019. Caspter Star Tribune.
  10. Web site: A conversation with new Democratic Party chair Pete Gosar. Willow. Belden. www.wyomingpublicmedia.org. 26 April 2013 .
  11. Web site: As Wyoming goes to caucus, an example in political tolerance. Schouten, Lucy. Christian Science Monitor. April 8, 2016. February 4, 2018.
  12. Web site: Wyoming candidate right at home with cross-party rivalry. Neary, Ben. Casper Star-Tribune. May 20, 2014. February 4, 2018.
  13. Web site: 6 siblings of congressman endorse opponent--The Arizona political feud shines a light on similar family disputes heating up across the nation.. Dennis Romero and Phil McCausland. . September 22, 2018. February 21, 2021.