Gov. Gordon Appoints Mark Klaassen as District Judge for Wyoming’s 1st Judicial District

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Oct. 30, 2026 -Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyo., has appointed Mark Klaassen to be a district court judge for the 1st Judicial District serving Laramie County. Klaassen's appointment fills the vacancy left by the retirement of Peter K. Froelicher, who resigns effective Jan. 3, 2027.

Klaassen graduated from Campbell County High School before earning a degree in finance from Oral Roberts University. He received his law degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame in 1998. Klaassen currently serves as deputy attorney general for the Wyoming Attorney General's Office. He previously served as U.S. attorney for the District of Wyoming from 2017 to 2021 and assistant U.S. attorney from 2009 to 2017. Prior to that, he served as chief of staff to the general counsel for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

"Mark Klaassen has spent decades proving his commitment to justice, but what impresses me most is his character. Whether serving as our U.S. attorney or leading in the Attorney General's Office, Mark has always been guided by a deep respect for the rule of law and the people it protects," Gov. Gordon said. "From his roots in Campbell County to this bench in Cheyenne, Mark has earned the trust of the legal community and the people of Wyoming. I couldn't be more pleased to make this appointment."

"I am honored and humbled by the confidence the governor has placed in me, as well as the Judicial Nominating Commission," Klaassen said. "I'd like to commend Judge Froelicher for his years of service. I look forward to serving the people of Laramie County and Wyoming."