Kevin O'Hearn (born c. 1963) is a Wyoming politician.

Kevin O'Hearn
Member of the Wyoming House of Representatives
from the 59th district
Assumed office
July 30, 2020
Preceded byBunky Loucks
Personal details
Bornc. 1963 (age 60–61)
Political partyRepublican
Residence(s)Mills, Wyoming, U.S.
Alma materMontana State University
Excelsior University
University of Wyoming
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
Years of service1980-2012
RankLieutenant Colonel
Battles/warsIraq War

Early life and education

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O'Hearn was born around 1963.[1] In 1980, O'Hearn joined the Army National Guard. To advance as a commissioned officer, O'Hearn earned a bachelor's degree in science while studying at Montana State University, Excelsior University, and the University of Wyoming Extension. O'Hearn served two tours in the Iraq War. In 2012, O'Hearn retired from the Army National Guard with the rank of lieutenant colonel.[2]

Career

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O'Hearn has owned a small construction and remodeling business for over 30 years.[2] O'Hearn got involved with local politics in Mills, Wyoming, and served as the town's building inspector and assistant town planner.[3] On July 15, 2020, three candidates were a nominated by the Natrona County Commission to fill the vacancy in Wyoming House of Representatives' 59th district left by Bunky Loucks: O'Hearn, Leah Juarez, and David Carpenter.[4] On July 28, 2020, O'Hearn was appointed by the county commission.[3] Many commissioners found the appointment difficult, with each candidate being similarly qualified, but the commission ultimately selected O'Hearn over the two other candidates due to his experience in local government.[3] O'Hearn was sworn in and took office on July 30, 2020.[5]

In the 2020 Republican primary for the 59th district, O'Hearn faced challengers Carpenter and Juarez again. Juarez and O'Hearn shared much of the same conservative political views.[1] On August 18, 2020, O'Hearn won the primary with 45% of the vote.[6] On November 3, 2020, O'Hearn won the general election against Democratic nominee and former state representative, Mike Gilmore.[5][7]

Personal life

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O'Hearn is married and has six children. O'Hearn is Catholic.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b Reynolds, Nick (August 14, 2020). "Casper is home to one of Wyoming's most interesting legislative races". Casper Star-Tribune. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Hirst, Greg (July 21, 2020). "MILLS TOWN OFFICIAL AND ARMY VET KEVIN O'HEARN LOOKS TO LEAD HOUSE DISTRICT 59". Oil City News. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Hirst, Greg (July 28, 2020). "COMMISSIONERS APPOINT MILLS TOWN PLANNER KEVIN O'HEARN TO HOUSE DISTRICT 59 SEAT". Oil City News. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  4. ^ Morton, Tom (July 29, 2020). "Natrona County Commission Chooses Kevin O'Hearn to Replace Bunky Loucks". KTWO (AM). Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  5. ^ a b "Kevin O'Hearn". Ballotpedia. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  6. ^ Erickson, Camille (August 18, 2020). "Kevin O'Hearn scores victory in contested Natrona County House race". Casper Star-Tribune. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  7. ^ "Former State Legislator Hopes To Regain House District 59 Seat". KTWO (AM). Retrieved May 31, 2021.