THERMOPOLIS - State Representative Nathan Winters, R-Thermopolis, announced his candidacy Monday for Wyoming State Auditor.

"I am running for Wyoming State Auditor because I can bring vision and a plan for action to the auditor's office that will help Wyoming taxpayers while keeping government small and close to the people," said Winters. "The auditor's office should promote transparency and government accountability while increasing efficiency and constituent service. That is where I intend to focus my attention."

"For the past six years, I have been honored to serve the people of House District 28 in the Wyoming Legislature. My time in the House has allowed me to see more clearly than ever the challenges we face as a state," Winters added.

HD28

Winters said since he will be seeking the state auditor position, he will not be seeking a fourth term as state legislator representing House District 28. He was first elected in 2012.

"It was an honor to serve the people in House District 28 and traveling the district was a joy in my life," Winters said.

He said HD 28, which encompasses all of Hot Springs County, a portion of Fremont County (Shoshoni and Lysite), a portion of south Big Horn County (Burlington, Otto and Basin) and a portion of Park County (Meeteetse), takes a little bit more time due to the size of the district.

"When I first ran for state legislature it was an amazing thing to me that I was running for that. What has been so amazing, in my time in Cheyenne, there has been opportunity to serve and lead in that capacity. At time I wouldn't have dreamed I would be running for statewide office. Over the years it's been a blessing."

STATE AUDITOR RUN

Winters also said in an interview Monday that current state auditor Cynthia Cloud who is completing her second four-year term as state auditor, has indicated she would not seek a third term.

Over the last six years, and really starting with my first year in office, when one of the other statewide offices was up for having their duties changed dramatically, which was superintendent of public instruction, that caused me to study very carefully the five statewide elected offices. Through the years, watching how the auditor's office had the opportunity to promote transparency, but also to essentially play point man for the State Loan and Investment Board and some of those board that the five statewides sit on, I felt this was a very important office.

"I'd spoken with Ms. Cloud and spent quite a bit of time with her and her office and talking to individuals there," Winters added. He said he also spoke to the four previous state auditors to get to know what the state auditor office is and what the auditor does.

"I feel this is the right year to step in and help there," Winters said.

"During my time in the legislature, I have worked consistently to advance a conservative budget, keep taxes low and support wise fiscal policy for the state," said Winters. "As a member of the Management Audit Committee, I understand how programs can be efficiently run and where and how they drift from their original mission."

Winters said the state auditor position has changed dramatically over the years with the actually auditing function handled by the Department of Audit.

"What the auditor does very specifically, it has the opportunity to promote transparency and then to work on that State Loan and Investment Board. Those are two very key functions. Both are issues I have, of course, as well as many others in the Legislature, wrestled with quite a bit over the last six years and I would love to step in and carry some of those ideas forward."

Regarding transparency, Winters said, "An informed citizenry is the kind of citizen that can make the best choice in how their government is run. And, that's exactly something I've promoted throughout my time in my office. That's something that can really be enhanced by the auditor's office.

He added technology has provided in some states, where citizens can see exactly how state money is being spent in state government.

"That kind of transparency, I think, is crucial in our Democratic Republic," Winters said.

Winters said, "There are areas where we can make state government work more efficiently, but we need a plan to make state government run more smoothly. Additionally, we need greater transparency in how Wyoming taxpayers' money is spent," said Winters. "By making smart, good government reforms we can empower citizens to more easily follow their tax dollars and make informed decisions."

"Capitalism and private enterprise are the very underpinnings of this great nation. I am committed to working with the State Loan and Investment Board (SLIB) to ensure that the cornerstones of our economy - small business, energy, agriculture, and tourism - can operate unencumbered in a business-friendly environment while creating good-paying jobs and allowing our state to prosper," added Winters.

"This is a critical year for our state and nation. I am grateful for the tremendous support I have received already from Wyoming leaders. I believe I have the conservative values and determination to make a difference while carrying on the tradition of smart, common-sense leadership that this office has enjoyed over the years. I look forward to getting out on the campaign trail and earning the support of Wyoming voters in towns all across this state in my bid for Wyoming State Auditor," concluded Winters.

SUPPORT

Winters said when the opportunity came up in late 2017, he spoke with his wife. "Then I began to call a number of people, whom I respect. The Bible says in a multitude of counselors there is safety. I try to follow that principle. I made a lot of phone calls and very prayerfully considered it." He said he had a list of four things he wanted to fall into place and they did so "it's become very evident that this is right time to do this."

Winters announced in a press release that Ron Micheli, former Wyoming legislator, director of agriculture and former candidate for governor Ron Micheli will serve as chairman of the Winters for Auditor campaign.

"It is a privilege and honor to support Nathan in his run for Auditor. Wyoming needs true conservative leadership at all levels and Nathan will bring accountability, transparency and conservative principles to this important office," said Micheli in a prepared release.

Additionally, former Wyoming State Auditor and Secretary of State Max Maxfield threw his support behind Winters' campaign. "I'm pleased to endorse Nathan Winters in his bid to become our next state auditor. Having held that office for eight years, I understand what it takes to be successful, both in the auditor's office and on the boards and commissions that come with the office. Nathan is a proven leader and has earned our vote," concluded Maxfield.

BACKGROUND

Winters currently serves as State Representative for Wyoming House District 28. In that capacity he has served on the Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee; the Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resource Committee; the Management Audit Committee; and, as Vice-Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

He is a pastor at the First Baptist Church of Thermopolis and works extensively as a speaker and teacher. Winters said he will continue to work in a full-time capacity with the church until May 31, after which the campaign will be in full swing and he will move into another area of work with the church.

He also served as the chairman of the Hot Springs County Republican Party and as parliamentarian for the Wyoming Republican Party.

Winters graduated from high school in Cheyenne and has a bachelor's degree in theology and a master's degree in religious education.

He lives in Thermopolis with his wife, Christie, who is an elementary school teacher. They have three children.