Daughter of Wyoming Legislator Stays Grounded at High School

Keefer Fornstrom discusses her father's new role and how it has not changed her high school experience.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Keefer Fornstrom, a junior at Pine Bluffs High School, is the daughter of Justin Fornstrom, who was recently elected as the District 10 Representative to the Wyoming State Legislature. Despite her father's increased political responsibilities, Keefer says her high school experience has remained largely unchanged, with her friends and classmates treating her the same as before. Keefer will be paging during the legislative session, but does not feel she has any undue influence over her father's political views.

Why it matters

This story provides a unique perspective on how a politician's family, especially their children, are impacted by their parent's rise in the political arena. It highlights how Keefer has maintained a sense of normalcy and community at her high school, even as her father takes on a more prominent role in state government.

The details

Keefer Fornstrom says her father's new position as a Wyoming state legislator has meant he is gone more often, reading bills and on the phone frequently. However, she notes that when he was the mayor, he was also often busy with work. Keefer will be paging during the legislative session, which involves tasks like delivering items from lobbyists to representatives. She is unsure how to address her father in a letter for a school assignment, wondering if she should use 'Dad' or 'Representative Fornstrom'.

  • In December 2025, Justin Fornstrom was selected as the District 10 Representative to the Wyoming State Legislature.
  • The upcoming legislative session is about to start.

The players

Keefer Fornstrom

A junior at Pine Bluffs High School and the daughter of Justin Fornstrom, the newly elected Wyoming state legislator.

Justin Fornstrom

The mayor of Pine Bluffs who was recently elected as the District 10 Representative to the Wyoming State Legislature.

Senator Love

A Wyoming state senator that Keefer may write a letter to for a school assignment, instead of her own father.

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What they’re saying

“it was very exciting. I think it was very fast and quick.”

— Keefer Fornstrom (Pine Bluffs Post)

“it was exciting because I know that he's really excited to serve our state and I think it's just a really great opportunity for him.”

— Keefer Fornstrom (Pine Bluffs Post)

“With the new session about to start both parents' area gone a lot. There's a lot happening and they're gone a lot. It looks a bit different in our house these past few weeks. But that's ok.”

— Keefer Fornstrom (Pine Bluffs Post)

“I don't think so. To have arguments at this point in our lives when were aren't even old enough to vote is not of benefit to either of us. It is good to hear different views, but it would not affect the friendship.”

— Keefer Fornstrom (Pine Bluffs Post)

“My dad and I have always had a close relationship. We have interesting conversations about what is happening in the world. As things get scarier and crazier we have conversations about those things.”

— Keefer Fornstrom (Pine Bluffs Post)

What’s next

Keefer will be paging during the upcoming legislative session, which will involve her interacting with many of the state's policymakers.

The takeaway

Despite her father's rise in the political ranks, Keefer Fornstrom has maintained a sense of normalcy in her high school experience, continuing to have a diverse group of friends and not feeling any undue influence over her father's political views. This story highlights how a politician's family, especially their children, can adapt to the increased responsibilities and public scrutiny that come with higher office.