Tuesday marked a rough night for the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, as its members and allies fell to a slew of legislative newcomers in the Republican primary election.
In Campbell County, House Appropriations Chair John Bear lost to coal mine transportation manager Doug Moore.
Rep. Ken Pendergraft, R-Sheridan, lost to business owner Melissa Butcher.
And in northeast Wyoming, former Senate President Ogden Driskill held his seat narrowly against House Speaker Chip Neiman.
Sen. Bob Ide, and current Reps. Daniel Singh, Ocean Andrew, Steve Johnson, Tony Locke, Marlene Brady, Nina Webber, Gary Brown, Ann Lucas, Robert Wharff, and Darin McCann all lost their challenges as well.
Former Reps. Mark Jennings and Jeanette Ward fell to their opponents, making for a near-complete massacre of Freedom Caucus members and their allies.
But caucus-favored Rep. Bill Allemand of Midwest, will advance to the general election. WFC aligned Rep. Kevin Campbell deflected his challenger as well.
Statewide Races, Too
The state’s top elected seats’ nominations went to non-Freedom Caucus officials as well.
Sen. Eric Barlow took the gubernatorial nomination, Converse County Commissioner Robert Short advanced for Secretary of State, and Rep. Steve Harshman — a frequent roadblock to the caucus in the Legidlature — won the nomination for Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Treasurer Curt Meier held off his seat from caucus member Rep. Scott Smith.
Driskill called the massacre a sign that Wyoming wants to be proactive and pro-business.
“Statewide there was a very solid rejection of what the Freedom Caucus has done and how they operate,” he said.
John Brown, a Fremont County politico, observed, “It appears the Freedom Caucus got their heads handed to them tonight.”
“It even appears that their founder in Wyoming, John Bear, won't be back in Cheyenne for next year's session,” said Brown, adding, “Wow.”
Rep. Landon Brown, R-Cheyenne, a caucus critic who chose not to run this year, said on Facebook, "Wyoming citizens spoke loud and clear tonight! They want TRUE governance not child’s play. Congratulations, Wyoming!"
A sequel to the Tea Party movement, the caucus galvanized during COVID-19 shutdowns and mandates, then surged to prominence in 2024 when it took control of the state House of Representatives.
Bear, Pendergraft, and other members and allies attempted to cut government spending this budget session.
They met with resistance from the public and other lawmakers; as well as outcry over cuts that some said would cost more money in the long run.
The Wyoming Freedom Caucus has garnered controversy for years. It has cast itself as the true voice of the political right, while detractors say it produces sloppy legislation and propagates groupthink.
Other House members accused caucus members of taking directives via text — a charge Bear denied.
Court documents have since shown that the caucus members have coordinated floor maneuvers via text, and received at least one directive in a group chat from WFC state director Jessie Rubino.
Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.
