Patrick Goggles will not run again for House District 33

 By Ron Feemster

— March 6, 2014

After serving five terms as State Representative for House District 33, Patrick Goggles (D-Ethete) is stepping down.

“I shall not seek re-election for another term in the Wyoming House of Representatives,” Goggles said. “I make way for the next generation of potential lawmakers to enact laws, allocate state revenues and set public policy. As is often said in the House, ‘the people’s work is never done.’”

Goggles will continue to work at Northern Arapaho Tribal Housing, where he serves as executive director. The organization develops affordable housing on the Wind River Indian Reservation.

Goggles has served as minority floor leader in the House and is currently a member of the Select Committee on Tribal Relations as well as Management Council. He wants to spend more time at home to help his wife, Chippa, raise their three grandchildren. Goggles will reevaluate his political options and family responsibilities in two years. He suggested that he might eventually run for the Senate in District 25, the seat now held by Sen. Cale Case (R-Lander).

“I am not retiring, nor am I quitting politics,” Goggles said. “I am going to flow with the inevitable. Younger people need to be making decisions on their own behalf. I step aside to encourage a younger person to take on the very challenging role of state representative.”

Goggles thanked a host of friends and relatives for their assistance with his campaigns, including his late daughter, Cyndee Underwood, who served as his campaign manager. “I am also thankful for the vote of confidence shown by tribal members, district patrons and all the good folks that voted for W. Patrick Goggles,” he said.

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