Wyoming House Speaker Chip Neiman, R-Hulett, and Rep. J.D. Williams, R-Lusk, have been honored as the state's legislators of the year by the Wyoming County Commissioners Association.
Political observers see Neiman and Williams on different ends of the state’s Republican Party, but Jerimiah Rieman, executive director of the association which announced the honors Monday, told Cowboy State Daily that both men have been willing to collaborate with county commissioners statewide, a sign of good governance.
For Neiman, that meant his work and communication with counties regarding property tax cuts, which were passed in the 2025 legislative session, Rieman said.
The 25% cuts have caused some concern for local governments as they figure out how to provide necessary services without that revenue.
Rieman added that Williams deserved the nod because of his ongoing advocacy for county commissioners, supporting their and other county officials’ frontline work with residents every day.
“We have always felt that when state legislators reciprocate and work with county commissioners, that it’s our responsibility to thank them,” Reiman said.
Different GOP Wings
Sen. Odgen Driskill, R-Devils Tower, commented on Facebook congratulating Williams for the honor.
Driskill told Cowboy State Daily on Thursday that Williams was one of the finest young legislators he’s watched.
He might not have sponsored many bills, but he’s involved on issues ranging from agriculture, energy and economic development, the senator said.
“If I sound like an advertisement for him, I am one,” Driskill said. “Behind the scenes, he’s known as a mover and shaker and tends to gets things done … you don’t see him going out attacking people and pounding his chest about getting those things done.”
Many who follow Wyoming politics would say Williams is more moderate than Neiman, who is a member of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus.
Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, R-Cody, chair of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, said it’s no surprise that Neiman is being honored for his legislative work. She added that Neiman also received the Statesman of the Year Award from the Wyoming Family Alliance.
“Representing the majority’s commitment to limited government, individual liberty, and American prosperity, this recognition is well-deserved,” Rodriguez-Williams wrote in an email to Cowboy State Daily.
He also “ushered in the most conservative reforms in a generation, including universal school choice, protections for the unborn, and lasting property tax relief,” she wrote. “I’m eager to see what the House accomplishes next session under his leadership. It's an honor to serve alongside him".
Who Are Neiman And Williams?
Neiman has served as House Speaker since this January, and was Majority Leader from 2023 to 2024. He first was elected in 2021.
This past session, he sponsored a bill which required an ultrasound 48 hours before pregnant Wyomingites could receive abortion medication. That bill passed both chambers, was vetoed by Gov. Mark Gordon, and then overridden by the state senate and house.
It’s now paused via court order, as a judge said it likely violates the Wyoming Constitution’s promise of health care autonomy.
He also sponsored legislation related to county canvassing boards, making technical changes to qualifications for board members and how special district elections are canvassed.
Neiman fell prey to the botched 2024 general election in Weston County, when more than 1,000 votes were initially not recorded for him in that jurisdiction.
His canvassing bill did not pass.
He also sponsored legislation that would have created penalties for people who use drones that trespass within 200 feet or lower over a person’s private property. That bill also did not pass.
Williams was first appointed to the legislature in 2021, was defeated in the 2022 primary by Allen Slagle, and then beat him in 2024.
This year, he was criticized by the Freedom Caucus for leaking a voting stance spreadsheet of some leading conservatives. His two sponsored bills – one on reorganizing state senate districts for the 2028 general election, and another adding language about public utility agreements – did not pass.
Neiman and Williams are both long-time ranchers in their districts in Crook County and Niobrara County, respectively.
Tricky Environment
The Wyoming County Commissioners Association has been giving the Legislator of the Year Award since at least 2011, Rieman said, adding that the number of lawmakers that are recognized each year varies.
The association’s executive committee deliberates before picking each year’s winners, he added.
Some legislators have said in recent legislative sessions that the association should no longer receive public money. And some commissioners from Hot Springs County have called the organization “socialist” because it opposes tax cuts and wants more government funding.
Rieman said that there are always going to be disagreements among legislators on the purpose of his organization, which is OK.
“I don’t know that it’s gotten any better or worse,” he said regarding his organization’s relationship with state legislators in recent years. “I think it’s a responsibility of all the parties and thoughtful debate as well as bringing forward important information for consideration.
“There are always legislators who are interested in a better understanding of things ,and commissioners willing to engage in that process too,” he added.
Steve Bohnel can be reached at steve@cowboystatedaily.com.
