Cheyenne Physician Running for House District 44 Seat

Cheyenne physician Paul Johnson announced Tuesday that he's running for the House District 44 seat being vacated by Rep. James Byrd.

A Republican, Johnson plans to focus his campaign on improving healthcare and diversifying the economy.

"As a physician, I know how difficult and expensive it can be for people to get the care they need," said Johnson. "The system needs to be simpler and more efficient."

"We also need more competition on the health insurance exchange to drive down prices," he added.

Johnson says "we are at a crossroads in healthcare" and need more healthcare providers in government.

"We need those working on the front lines at the table making policy decisions that affect patients," he said.

A business owner and Wyoming native, Johnson says he understands the state's economy.

"Wyoming is a great place to own a business because we keep taxes and regulations low," said Johnson.

"In order to grow and diversify our economy, we have to encourage entrepreneurship and remove the burdens placed on the economy by too much government," he added.