Long-Time Cheyenne City Council Member Running For Wyoming Legislature

Cheyenne dentist Dr. Mark Rinne has announced a candidacy for the District 7 Senate seat in the Wyoming Legislature currently held by Stephan Pappas.

Pappas has not officially said whether he is running for re-election.

Rinne was first elected to the City Council in 1988, serving two terms. He then returned to the council in 2006 and has held that seat ever since. He has served as council president 10 times.

According to a news release Throughout his tenure, he has worked closely with numerous boards and committees, including the Downtown Development Authority, Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, Board of Public Utilities, Cheyenne Regional Airport Board, and the Cheyenne/Laramie County Economic Development Joint Powers Board. He also serves on the Board of the Wyoming Association of Municipalities and currently chairs its Legislative Leadership Committee.

Rinne Has Been A Local Dentist Since 1987

Rinne is a dentist who has been in practice locally since 1987 and has served as President of the Southeast District Dental Society. He has lived in Cheyenne since 1977.

He has supported education locally as a member of the Laramie County Community College (LCCC) Dental Hygiene Advisory Board, an adjunct instructor, and as a member and Chairman of the LCCC Board of Trustees. In recognition of his contributions, he was named the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year for 2022.

The news release quotes Rinne as saying I am running for the Senate because I want to continue serving Cheyenne at the state level,” Rinne said. “We need to focus on practical solutions that support our communities and strengthen Wyoming’s future."

He says if elected to the legislature, his priorities would include working to make housing more attainable by cutting regulatory barriers and would also work for balanced economic development.

“Wyoming must continue to support its legacy industries, while also helping communities grow and diversify their economies,” he said. “That includes creating quality jobs, investing in amenities that make our communities more desirable, and supporting local efforts to attract and retain essential services, including healthcare.” Dr. Rinne highlighted his collaborative leadership style as a key strength. “Over the years, I have worked with many colleagues and leaders with different perspectives,” he said. “The ability to work together and find common ground is essential to getting things done and delivering results for the people we serve.”