Wyoming lawmaker Roy Edwards (R), who represented House District 53, passed away on Nov. 2, 2020—one day before the general election—of an unspecified illness. According to the Gillette News Record, Edwards was admitted to the hospital last week with the unspecified condition. He was 66-years-old.
Edwards didn’t face any challengers in his re-election bid and was expected to win. During the Aug. 18 primary, Edwards won 57.5% of the vote against challenger Tom Murphy. In accordance with Wyoming statute, the Campbell County Republican Party will recommend three replacements for the vacancy no later than Nov. 18.
District 53 had been represented by Edwards since 2015 after then-incumbent Gregg Blikre (R) didn’t seek re-election. The passing of Edwards represents the only current vacancy in the Wyoming House of Representatives.
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