Foster Friess, a prominent Republican megadonor who ran for governor in Wyoming in 2018, died Thursday at the age of 81.
The Jackson investor finished second to now-Gov. Mark Gordon in the 2018 GOP primary with 25.6% of the vote, despite earning the endorsement of then President Donald Trump. Gordon was the state treasurer at the time.
The Jackson Hole News&Guide reported in January that Friess had been diagnosed with myelodysplasia, a form of bone marrow cancer. Friess posted on social media in March that he was dealing with the ailment.
“When people would ask what his disease was, he would say, ‘My white blood cells were on strike,’” said House 2022 candidate Darin Smith, a good friend and political ally of Friess.
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“I’ve always joked that I want to be like Foster Friess when I grow up,” he added.
Friess donated over $500 million in his lifetime, according to the press release announcing his death. He was a major donor to Republican political action committees, state republican parties and Republican candidates like Trump, Rand Paul, Ted Cruz and many more. Friess was well known for bankrolling the presidential ambitions of former Sen. Rick Santorum.
In the last three weeks of March 2021, he donated almost $78,000 to political causes.
“When Foster believed strongly in something or someone, as he often did, he jumped in with both feet and both arms,” Sen. John Barrasso said in a statement. “He had an unwavering commitment to God, his country, his family and those less fortunate. Bobbi and I will miss his good nature and his warm heart.”
Friess was a nationally known figure in Republican circles. He was a major investor in the Daily Caller conservative news site and served on the board of Turning Point USA, a student-focused right-wing advocacy group. Earlier this year, Trump, Sen. Jim DeMint, and Rep. Mark Meadows presented Friess with the Conservative Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Today we lost a great American patriot & follower of Christ,” former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson said. “Foster Friess was a man with a great heart and a deep love for America.”
Outside of politics, Friess donated $100,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming in February. At the close of 2020, Friess chose 400 people to each select a charity to receive $100,000 from the Lynn and Foster Friess Family Foundation. Friess has won a number of major philanthropic awards over his lifetime.
Since his death was first announced Thursday, many Republican politicians took to Twitter to praise Friess, including all three members of Wyoming’s congressional delegation and Gordon, who called him a “steady voice for Republican and Christian values.”
“My prayers and condolences are with the Friess family, in particular his wife of nearly 60 years Lynn and his four children,” Rep. Liz Cheney wrote. “His love of Wyoming, service to our state, and legacy of philanthropy will never be forgotten. May he Rest In Peace.”
My prayers and condolences are with the Friess family, in particular his wife of nearly 60 years Lynn and his four children. His love of Wyoming, service to our state, and legacy of philanthropy will never be forgotten. May he Rest In Peace. https://t.co/WQGvSnhQb2
— Rep. Liz Cheney (@RepLizCheney) May 27, 2021
“First and foremost, Foster Friess was a servant of God,” wrote Sen. Cynthia Lummis. “A generous philanthropist, devout Christian and unwavering patriot, he was dedicated to improving the lives of people around the globe.”
First and foremost, Foster Friess was a servant of God. A generous philanthropist, devout Christian and unwavering patriot, he was dedicated to improving the lives of people around the globe.
— Senator Cynthia Lummis (@SenLummis) May 27, 2021
Sad to hear today of the passing of my friend, @FosterFriess. A true Patriot, a generous philanthropist, and a good person who always had a kind and encouraging word. His accomplishments are many, and he will be missed.
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) May 27, 2021
Today we lost a great American patriot & follower of Christ. Foster Friess was a man with a great heart and a deep love for America. We know he will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” as he enters the gates of heaven. We are praying for Lynn and his family. pic.twitter.com/83jgdnsIjg
— Ben & Candy Carson (@RealBenCarson) May 27, 2021
Sad to hear of the passing of my friend @FosterFriess. He was a patriot, a generous philanthropist, and a strong ambassador for the good news of Jesus Christ. Godspeed my friend and God’s blessings to Lynn and all who knew him. #RIPFoster
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) May 27, 2021
I am so sad to hear of the passing of Foster Friess. Foster was a great American and a patriot. I am grateful for the tremendous work @FosterFriess has done to make our state and our country a better place. I am praying for the entire Friess family. Rest in Peace Foster.
— Chuck Gray (@ChuckForWyoming) May 27, 2021
Foster is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lynnette, and their four children, Traci, Stephen, Carrie and Michael. Foster and Lynn have 15 grandchildren.
“We are grateful for the wonderful life Foster lived and thankful to the many people who have shared their prayers during his illness,” his family wrote in a statement. “We know many of you mourn with us, and we will have more details soon on Foster’s funeral.”
Remembrance services will be held in Jackson; Scottsdale, Arizona; and his birthplace of Rice Lake, Wisconsin.
Photos: Wyoming GOP hopefuls gather to watch results as Gordon earns governor nomination
Mark Gordon Election Night

Trell Schiffer, 7, plays with a Mark Gordon balloon Tuesday outside the Bozeman Trail Steakhouse during Gordon's primary election night party in Buffalo.
Mark Gordon Election Night

Mark Gordon juggles phones as he talks with supporters Tuesday night during his primary watch party at Bozeman Trail Steakhouse in Buffalo.
Mark Gordon Election Night

Mark Gordon celebrates with supporters after clinching the GOP nomination for Wyoming governor Tuesday night during his primary watch party in Buffalo.
Foster Friess

Foster Friess speaks to supporters while conceding the GOP nomination for Wyoming governor to Mark Gordon on Tuesday night, Aug. 21, 2018 in Casper.
Harriet Hageman

Harriet Hageman hugs her sister-in-law Lee Hageman after arriving at her gubernatorial watch party on Tuesday at the Cheyenne Depot Museum. Hageman, a natural resources attorney, finished third behind Foster Friess and Mark Gordon.
Sam Galeotos

Republican candidate for governor Sam Galeotos talks with guests at his primary night watch party Tuesday night in rural Laramie County.
Mark Gordon Election Night

Volunteers and campaign staff watch as poll results are updated during Mark Gordon's election night party Tuesday in Buffalo.
Mark Gordon Election Night

Volunteers watch as poll results are updated during Mark Gordon's election night party on Tuesday.
Mark Gordon Election Night

Mark Gordon talks with volunteers as poll results begin to roll in Tuesday night during Gordon's election night party in Buffalo.
Mark Gordon Election Night

Gubernatorial candidate Mark Gordon mingles with supporters during his election night party on Tuesday.
Mark Gordon Election Night

Volunteers and campaign staff watch as results are updated during Mark Gordon's election night party at Bozeman Trail Steakhouse in Buffalo.
Mark Gordon Election Night

Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Gordon watches the numbers come in with his stepson Aaron Young during a primary night gathering in Buffalo. Republican candidates have held a strong advantage in Wyoming's modern history, but Gordon and Democratic opponent Mary Throne may both hold appeal for more moderate voters.
Mark Gordon Election Night

A supporter wears a Mark Gordon button Tuesday during the gubernatorial candidate's election night party at Bozeman Trail Steakhouse.
Mark Gordon Election Night

Volunteers watch as poll results are updated during Mark Gordon's election night party on Tuesday.
Mark Gordon Election Night

Gubernatorial candidate Mark Gordon stands with his family as he celebrates his win as republican governor candidate for Wyoming during his election night party at Bozeman Trail Steakhouse in Buffalo Tuesday evening, Aug. 21, 2018.
Mark Gordon Election Night

Gubernatorial candidate Mark Gordon stands with his family as he celebrates his win as republican governor candidate for Wyoming during his election night party at Bozeman Trail Steakhouse in Buffalo Tuesday evening, Aug. 21, 2018.
Mark Gordon Election Night

Gubernatorial candidate laughs as he mingles with supporters as poll results come to and end during Gordon's election night party at Bozeman Trail Steakhouse in Buffalo Tuesday evening, Aug. 21, 2018.
Mark Gordon Election Night

Gubernatorial candidate Mark Gordon reacts after winning the republican governor candidate in the Wyoming primaries Tuesday evening, Aug. 21, 2018.
Harriet Hageman

Republican gubernatorial candidate Harriet Hageman looks at the results of the primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, at the Cheyenne Depot Museum. Hageman finished third behind Mark Gordon and Foster Friess.
Sam Galeotos

Republican candidate for governor Sam Galeotos embraces his campaign manager Haley Davis during a primary night watch party Tuesday at his home in rural Laramie County.
Foster Friess

Foster Friess hugs a supporter during his primary election watch party on Tuesday night, Aug. 21, 2018 in Casper.
Foster Friess

Foster Friess prepares to speak to his supporters during his primary election watch party on Tuesday night, Aug. 21, 2018 in Casper.
Foster Friess

Foster Friess speaks to supporters while conceding the GOP nomination for Wyoming governor to Mark Gordon on Tuesday night, Aug. 21, 2018 in Casper.
Foster Friess

Foster Friess speaks to supporters while conceding the GOP nomination for Wyoming governor to Mark Gordon on Tuesday night, Aug. 21, 2018 in Casper.
Foster Friess

Foster Friess prepares to speak to his supporters during his primary election watch party on Tuesday night, Aug. 21, 2018 in Casper.
Foster Friess

Foster Friess speaks to supporters while conceding the GOP nomination for Wyoming governor to Mark Gordon on Tuesday night in Casper. Friess has suggested using runoff elections in Wyoming.
Foster Friess

Foster Friess greets a supporter during his primary election watch party on Tuesday night, Aug. 21, 2018 in Casper.
Foster Friess

Foster Friess thanks supporters after conceding the GOP nomination for Wyoming governor to Mark Gordon on Tuesday night in Casper.