CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Republican Mark Gordon has defeated Democrat Mary Throne in the Wyoming governor's race.

Gordon succeeds Republican Gov. Matt Mead, who is term-limited after serving two terms.

Gordon is a rancher and businessman from Buffalo who has been state treasurer since 2012. He promises a conservative approach to issues including a budget shortfall stemming from less revenue from coal, oil and natural gas extraction.

Gordon says Wyoming shouldn't focus solely on budget cuts nor tax increases to fix the problem but should take a variety of approaches.

Gordon's election marks the first time Wyoming's governor's office changes hands without changing parties since Democrat Mike Sullivan's election in 1986.

Throne is an energy industry attorney and former Wyoming House minority leader from Cheyenne. She campaigned on diversifying Wyoming's economy and finding new sources of revenue.

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