Major Controversies Surrounding Mike Sullivan (Wyoming politician): A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 12, 2026

Public opinion and media debates around Mike Sullivan (Wyoming politician)—discover key moments of controversy.

Michael John Sullivan is an American lawyer, diplomat, and politician notable for serving as the 29th Governor of Wyoming from 1987 to 1995. As a member of the Democratic Party, Sullivan also served as the United States Ambassador to Ireland from 1998 to 2001. Before becoming governor, he was involved in local politics in Natrona County, Wyoming. His career demonstrates a sustained commitment to public service at both the state and federal levels.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1977: Sullivan opposes non-therapeutic abortions at Natrona County Memorial Hospital

In 1977, during a vote by the Natrona County Memorial Hospital board, Sullivan voted against allowing non-therapeutic abortions in the hospital, resulting in a two-to-two tie. Bill Muller broke the tie by voting to allow non-therapeutic abortions.

March 8, 1986: Sullivan Criticizes Reagan Administration at Democratic Convention

On March 8, 1986, Sullivan delivered the keynote address at the Natrona County Democratic convention. During this speech, he criticized the Reagan administration for its handling of fraud allegations against President Ferdinand Marcos during the 1986 Philippine presidential election and its support of military aid to the Contras during the Nicaraguan Revolution.

1987: Sullivan Opposes Coal Tax Decrease and Proposes Tax Increases

In 1987, Sullivan opposed the Wyoming Legislature's vote to decrease the coal tax and proposed increasing taxation on alcohol, from 2¢ to 20¢ per gallon, and cigarettes, from 8¢ to 28¢ per pack.

1988: Criticism of Republican Leadership

In 1988, Sullivan criticized the Republican leadership in the state house for denying committee chair positions to Representatives Murphy and Mary Odde due to their lack of support for overriding one of his vetoes.

1990: National Organization for Women rates Sullivan as anti-choice

During the 1990 election, the National Organization for Women rated Sullivan as anti-choice due to his stance on abortion.

1991: Veto Overridden

In 1991, Sullivan vetoed legislation allowing tax exemptions for wildcat oil drilling, which was overridden by the Wyoming Legislature.

January 22, 1992: Mark Hopkinson executed

On January 22, 1992, Mark Hopkinson was executed, becoming the first person executed in Wyoming since 1965, and the only person executed in Wyoming after Furman v. Georgia. Sullivan did not grant clemency to Hopkinson despite requests from various individuals and groups.

1992: Republicans gain veto-proof majority

Following the 1992 elections, the Republicans gained a veto-proof majority in the state legislature.

1992: John Fanos criticizes Sullivan

In 1992, Wyoming Senate Democratic Minority Whip John Fanos criticized Sullivan for lacking the leadership skills to prevent budget cuts and promote tax increases.

1993: Veto Overridden

In 1993, Republicans successfully overrode Sullivan's veto regarding legislation altering the appointment process for filling vacancies in partisan offices.

1994: Sullivan Opposes Abortion Ban Initiative

During the 1994 elections, Sullivan opposed a ballot initiative that aimed to ban abortion in Wyoming, except in cases to save the mother's life or in instances of rape or incest, and proposed to punish physicians who perform abortions with up to fourteen years in prison.

1996: Sullivan opposes term limits in state legislature

During the 1996 election, Sullivan, along with fellow governors Clifford Hansen, Stanley K. Hathaway, and Jim Geringer, voiced his opposition to ballot proposals that sought to institute term limits in the state legislature.