Albany County Commission candidate · 2026

Merav Ben-David

Retired UW professor, Planning & Zoning commissioner, community advocate, and lifelong Laramie neighbor. Merav brings a scientist’s rigor and a neighbor’s heart to local government.

Before retiring from the University of Wyoming in December 2025, Merav led the Wildlife Ecology and Management Program for 25 years. She served as Director of the PhD Program in Ecology and Evolution and chaired the Department of Zoology and Physiology.

She was Chief Scientist on an icebreaker expedition to the Arctic Ocean studying polar bears and has conducted wildlife research across the globe. She was the Democratic nominee for Wyoming’s US Senate seat in 2020 and for House District 46 in 2022.

Beyond public service, Merav ski-jors with her two huskies in winter and hikes, bikes, and paddleboards in summer. She grows conifers from seed and has transplanted trees from UW’s campus. She’s been your Laramie neighbor for decades.

Timeline of service
2000–2025
University of Wyoming — Wildlife Ecology & Management
25 years teaching and leading the program. Director of the PhD Program in Ecology and Evolution. Chair, Department of Zoology and Physiology.
2020
Wyoming US Senate — Democratic nominee
Ran on public lands, climate, and rural Wyoming issues.
2021–2025
Treasurer — Albany County Democratic Party
Led the Public Lands billboard campaign along I-80.
2022
Wyoming House District 46 — Democratic nominee
Continued engagement with Laramie-area voters on local and state issues.
2022–present
Albany County Planning & Zoning Commission
Casper Aquifer protections, updated zoning and conditional use regulations, wildlife-friendly fencing regulations, Laramie Area Growth Plan contributor.
Now
Community leadership
Leading the effort to build a new and improved Laramie dog park. Treasurer, Wyoming Coalition of Animal Protection (wycap.org).
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