★ Republican Candidate ★ Big Horn County, Wyoming

Craig Shidler for Sheriff

Leadership. Integrity. Wyoming Values.

16 Years in Law Enforcement 39 Years in Big Horn County Patrol Sergeant

Meet Craig

Big Horn County is home — and always has been.

Portrait of Craig Shidler in a white cowboy hat in front of an American flag
Craig Shidler, Patrol Sergeant, Big Horn County Sheriff's Office

Craig has lived in Big Horn County for the majority of his life. He spent most of his childhood in Cowley and on the family's small farm near Deaver, and is now raising his own family in Lovell. Craig has called Big Horn County home for 39 years, establishing deep roots in this community.

As a farm boy, he learned the value of hard work at a young age — running a paper route, delivering milk, and spending long days caring for the farm. He graduated from Rocky Mountain High School in 2004, then worked in construction across the state and in the area's bentonite plants.

In 2006 he took his first EMT class at the local hospital, and at 22 began moonlighting on the ambulance. He has since advanced his certifications and continues serving Big Horn County in EMS, where he often plays a vital role as the first on scene.

Craig became interested in law enforcement after starting in EMS and was hired as a detention deputy in 2010, attending the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy that same year. After about four years, he was promoted to patrol, completing patrol basic in 2014. He returned to the jail briefly to fill a leadership role, and in 2017 was named Detention Officer of the Year for developing an in-house training program, working with deputies to identify gang activity in the facility, and mentoring staff.

Craig has attended numerous trainings over his 16 years in law enforcement and currently serves as a Patrol Sergeant, directly supervising the field training program, the school resource officer program, and a patrol shift.

Craig has been married to his wife, Amanda, for 11 years, and they are raising two children right here in Big Horn County. On his time off, Craig enjoys camping, exploring, fishing, and hunting with his family.

A Message from Craig

Why I'm running.

I am running because Big Horn County deserves a Sheriff who is visible, accessible, and accountable to the people — not to politics. I strongly believe I understand the unique challenges our communities face, from the south end of the county to the north end and every ranch road in between.

With deep roots in our county and a strong commitment to public service, I bring the leadership, integrity, and determination our Sheriff's Office needs. I believe every call deserves a timely response, every community member deserves to be heard, and every deputy deserves the tools and training needed to serve safely.

As your Sheriff, I will uphold and defend the constitutional rights of every Big Horn County citizen. The Second Amendment, property rights, and individual liberties are not negotiable — they are the foundation of our Wyoming way of life.

Big Horn County doesn't need a politician in the Sheriff's Office — it needs a leader who shows up, listens, and puts the safety of our families first.

Priorities for Big Horn County

A clear plan to strengthen public safety and better serve our county.

Search and Rescue

I will work to ensure our search and rescue volunteers are supported and prepared by encouraging participation in advanced training courses that lead to the best possible outcomes in difficult operations. I have already met with SAR leadership to discuss response capabilities, equipment, and training. They train on their own time, with their own gear — they deserve our support.

Faster Response Times

With deputies covering vast distances, every second counts. I will work toward implementing strategic patrol positioning and building strong partnerships with neighboring agencies to ensure faster emergency response across the entire county.

Deputy Recruitment & Retention

Competitive pay, modern equipment, and continued training are essential. I will fight for budgets that allow us to attract and retain quality deputies, reduce vacancies, and give our officers the resources they need to serve safely. Within the jail, I will create stronger career development — more training, advancement, and promotion opportunities for detention staff.

Community Policing

A Sheriff should be known by name, not just by a badge. I will restore visible, community-based policing by attending meetings, visiting schools, and making the Sheriff's Office a trusted partner in every community across the county.

Drug & Substance Enforcement

Drug- and alcohol-related crimes drive many of the calls in our county — domestic incidents, theft, and property destruction. I will prioritize enforcement, coordinate with local and state agencies, and support community-based prevention efforts.

Fiscal Accountability

Taxpayers deserve to know their dollars are being spent wisely. I will bring transparent budgeting, pursue grant opportunities to supplement county funds, and make smart resource allocations — maximizing coverage without increasing the tax burden on working families, farmers, and ranchers.

Mental Health Support

Mental health is a critical issue affecting law enforcement and our entire community. As Sheriff, I am committed to strengthening mental health support for both deputies and residents — focusing on proactive initiatives and diligent efforts to assist those facing mental health challenges. Resources in our county are lacking, and these calls can be among the most dangerous for everyone involved.

School & Youth Safety

Our children deserve to feel safe. I will continue working to maintain a school resource officer presence, pursue grant funding for youth programs, and work with school administrations to ensure our schools have the security plans and emergency protocols needed to protect students and staff.

Key Dates

Mark your calendar.

Primary Election

August 18

2026

General Election

November 3

2026

Photos taken throughout the Big Horn Mountains by Craig Shidler.

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