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Politics and Government Reporter

Leo Wolfson

Leo Wolfson is the State Government and Politics Reporter for Cowboy State Daily and is based in Cheyenne. He is responsible for covering Wyoming politics on a federal and statewide level. 

Leo led Cowboy State Daily's coverage of the 2022 Wyoming primary election, including the highly contentious race between former congresswoman Liz Cheney and her successor U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman. He also managed CSD's coverage of the 2023 State Legislature, which was by far the most extensive and timely media coverage of a legislative session in the state's history.

Before joining Cowboy State Daily, Leo was a general assignment reporter for the Cody Enterprise Newspaper in Cody from 2018-2022. Prior to that, he reported for a suburban newspaper outside Denver. 

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Latest from Leo Wolfson

A series of combative town halls last week prompted Wyoming congresswoman Harriet Hageman to cancel future in-person events. After threats in Laramie and Wheatland last week, there were no fireworks during her Friday phone-in town hall March 28, 2025.

After Threats Last Week, No Fireworks During Hageman Phone-In Town Hall

A series of combative town halls last week prompted Wyoming congresswoman Harriet Hageman to cancel near-future in-person events. After threats in Laramie and Wheatland last week, there were no fireworks during her Friday phone-in town hall.

Leo WolfsonMarch 29, 2025

Dr. Eric Cubin, left, is suing Gov. Mark Gordon for reinstatement to the Wyoming State Board of Medicine.

Casper Doctor Not Giving Up Fight To Get Back On Wyoming Board Of Medicine

Casper radiologist Eric Cubin has filed an appeal to get back on the Wyoming Board of Medicine after pressure from Gov. Mark Gordon to resign last year. Cubin lobbied for legislation banning transgender surgeries and treatments on minors.

Leo WolfsonMarch 28, 2025

More than 100 Wyoming attorneys and judges, including a former governor and two former attorneys general, have sent a letter to the Wyoming congressional delegation. They demand Barrasso, Lummis and Hageman denounce recent attacks on judges.

More Than 100 Wyoming Attorneys And Judges Demand Delegation Protect Judges

More than 100 Wyoming attorneys and judges, including a former governor and two former attorneys general, have sent a letter to the Wyoming congressional delegation. They demand Barrasso, Lummis and Hageman denounce recent attacks on judges.

Leo WolfsonMarch 28, 2025

President Donald Trump’s administration eliminated $12 billion in federal COVID-era health grants Wednesday. Wyoming’s cut of that is $40 million, almost all for the state’s Public Health Division. The Wyoming Department of Health's administration offices are in the Hathaway Building across from the Capitol in Cheyenne.

Trump Cuts $40 Million In Wyoming COVID-Era Health Grants

President Donald Trump’s administration eliminated $12 billion in federal COVID-era health grants Wednesday. Wyoming’s cut of that is $40 million, almost all for the state’s Public Health Division.

Leo WolfsonMarch 27, 2025

In a March 26, 2025, Truth Social post, President Donald Trump endorses Wyoming Republican U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummiss for reelection.

Trump Endorses Cynthia Lummis For Reelection To Senate

President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday night, praising Wyoming Republican U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis. He also gave her an official endorsement for reelection in 2026.

Leo WolfsonMarch 27, 2025

Former Wyoming U.S. Sen Al Simpson’s body was brought into the Wyoming Capitol on Thursday to lie in state for two days. Best friend to President George H.W. Bush and decades-long legislator, Simpson’s March 14 death was international news.

Al Simpson Makes Final Trip To Wyoming Capitol, Lies In State

Former Wyoming U.S. Sen Al Simpson’s casket was brought into the Wyoming Capitol on Thursday to lie in state for two days. Best friend to President George H.W. Bush and decades-long legislator, Simpson’s March 14 death was international news.

Leo WolfsonMarch 27, 2025

In an exhange with reporters shared by CNN reporter Haley Talbot on X (formerly Twitter), U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyoming, says U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth should not resign over a security breach that allowed a reporter in a classified chat exchange.

Lummis Says Hegseth Shouldn’t Resign After Reporter Allowed In On Attack Plans

Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth when speaking with reporters Wednesday about a security breach that allowed a reporter into a chat outlining sensitive attack plans. She said he shouldn’t be forced to resign.

Leo WolfsonMarch 27, 2025

State Sen. Tara Nethercott, R-Cheyenne

No More Non-Compete Agreements In Wyoming Starting July 1

Starting July 1, businesses in Wyoming won’t be able to require people to sign non-compete agreements. That’s because of a bill that passed during this past legislative session that largely flew under the radar of public attention.

Leo WolfsonMarch 26, 2025

Radiant Chief Operating Officer Tori Shivanandan explains the complany's tiny micro nuclear reactors at a Tuesday town hall in Bar Nunn, Wyoming.

Bar Nunn Locals Receptive To Build Micro Reactors, Not So Much Storing Spent Fuel

Bar Nunn locals were receptive to a $250 million to $500 million project to build micro nuclear reactors there at a Tuesday meeting to present the plan. They aren’t as excited about the spent nuclear fuel coming back to be stored there.

Leo WolfsonMarch 26, 2025

Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman has canceled in-person access for two of her upcoming town hall meetings because of “Democrat threats of violence.” She says incidents at recent town halls in Wheatland, Laramie and Rock Springs make safety an issue.

Hageman Cancels In-Person Town Halls Over ‘Democrat Threats Of Violence’

Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman has canceled in-person access for two of her upcoming town hall meetings because of “Democrat threats of violence.” She says incidents at recent town halls in Wheatland, Laramie and Rock Springs make safety an issue.

Leo WolfsonMarch 25, 2025

Wyoming has some of the strictest voter ID laws in the nation after the recently competed legislative session. That includes being the first state in the nation to require proof of U.S. citizenship for all elections in the state.

Wyoming Is First State To Require Proof Of Citizenship To Vote In All Elections

Wyoming has some of the strictest voter ID laws in the nation after the recently competed legislative session. That includes being the first state in the nation to require proof of U.S. citizenship for all elections in the state.

Leo WolfsonMarch 25, 2025

Former House Speaker Albert Sommers lost his bid for the state Senate last year, but was elected chairman of the Sublette County Republican Party this month. County GOP elections followed the trend, electing former legislators to leadership positions.

Former Wyoming Legislators Win Big In County Republican Party Elections

Former House Speaker Albert Sommers was elected chairman of the Sublette County Republican Party this month. County GOP elections around Wyoming followed the trend of putting former legislators into leadership roles.

Leo WolfsonMarch 25, 2025

Other Authors

Wyoming state Reps. Cody Wylie, left, and J.T. Larson, both Rock Springs Republicans, are suing over election mailers they claim are deliberately false and misleading.

Legislators Can Keep Suing Freedom Caucus Over Election Flyers, Judge Says

A Sweetwater County District Court ruled Friday that a pair of Rock Springs state legislators can keep suing the Wyoming Freedom Caucus. They claim the group defamed them in election flyers during the 2024 campaign cycle.

Leo WolfsonMarch 24, 2025

A Trump family 757 jet remains parked at the Cheyenne Reginal Airport on Monday, March 24, 2025, after spending the weekend parked there. Clearly visible from traffic driving by, a steady stream of people stopped to take photos of the plane, including Kevin Williams, who stood in the bed of his pickup to shoot over the fence.

‘Trump Force One’ Parked At Cheyenne Airport A Magnet For Photos And Selfies

President Donald Trump’s family plane remains parked at the Cheyenne Regional Airport on Monday, and has been a magnet for selfies and photos of the jet. The large 757 landed sometime Saturday, and has been drawing attention since.

Leo WolfsonMarch 24, 2025

Jackie Hamilton vacuums the stairs to the Senate Chambers on March 4 during the 2025 Wyoming legislative session.

When The Legislative Mudslinging’s Over, Wyoming’s Capitol Custodians Clean Up

Amid the fast-paced action at the Wyoming Capitol during the legislative session, some workers there often blend into the backdrop without much recognition. When the legislative mudslinging is over, the Capitol custodians clean up.

Leo WolfsonMarch 23, 2025

Former University of Wyoming football star Frank Crum beat the odds last season, making the Denver Broncos as an undrafted rookie. Now comes the hard part — carving out a career in the NFL.

Frank Crum Beat The Odds To Be A Denver Bronco, Now He Works For An NFL Career

Former University of Wyoming football star Frank Crum beat the odds last season, making the Denver Broncos as an undrafted rookie. Now comes the hard part — carving out a career in the NFL.

Leo WolfsonMarch 23, 2025

A group of Democrats gathered Wednesday at the Albany County Courthouse along Grand Avenue in Laramie, Wyoming, on Wednesday to protest President Donald Trump and his policies. The group then walked to the Laramie Plains Civic Center to become part of a raucus crowd for a town hall held by U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman.

With Approval Ratings At An All-Time Low, Wyoming Democrats Searching For Direction

With national approval ratings for Democrats at an all-time low, the party is searching for solutions. Wyoming Democrats attending a “Gather For Good” rally opposing Rep. Hageman on Wednesday offered few clear answers as to how their party should move forward.

Leo WolfsonMarch 20, 2025

More than 500 people packed into the Gryphon Theater at the Laramie Plains Civic Center in Laramie, Wyoming, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, for a Rep. Harriet Hageman town hall. As a bright spotlight shiunes on Hageman, a vocal group stands to yell at the congresswoman.

Hageman Doesn’t Back Down As Hostile Crowd Curses Her At Unruly Laramie Town Hall

Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman took on a hostile town hall crowd in Laramie on Wednesday, but wouldn’t back down. More than 500 gathered, many yelling curses to the point of local Democratic Party chair saying he’s “heartbroken” by the behavior.

Leo WolfsonMarch 20, 2025

U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyoming

Lummis Wants To Pull $7.5B From Biden’s EV Mandates For Improving Highways

Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis introduced a bill Wednesday that would pull $7.5 billion from former President Joe Biden’s electrical vehicle mandates. Instead, it should be used to improve highways in Wyoming and across the country, she says.

Leo WolfsonMarch 19, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon held a ceremony Tuesday to veto a bill that aimed at protecting Wyoming residents from federal firearm orders. The Bill would have allowed people to sue law enforcement agencies for enforcing federal laws that contradict Wyoming’s. He was joined by law officers from jurisdictions around the state.

Gordon Holds Veto Party With Law Officers To Axe Second Amendment Rights Bill

Gov. Mark Gordon held a ceremony Tuesday to veto a bill that aimed at protecting Wyoming residents from federal firearm orders. The bill would have allowed people to sue law enforcement agencies for enforcing federal laws that contradict Wyoming’s.

Leo WolfsonMarch 18, 2025

State legislators who are also business owners sometimes learn that their politics can impact their businesses — for worse or better.

Boycotts, Name Changes And Backfires: Being A Politician Business Owner

Being a business owner and elected official in Wyoming can often intersect. Sometimes that means supporting legislation leads to boycotts of your business or prompt name changes. Most say the benefits far outweigh the challenges.

Leo WolfsonMarch 18, 2025

U.S. Sen. John Barrasso meets with Wyoming troops in front of transporting equipment in Syria.

Barrasso Visits More Than 100 Wyoming Troops Stationed In The Middle East

Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso spent Sunday visiting more than 100 Wyoming troops stationed in the Middle East. He praised them for being "in harm's way" and "keeping us safe and free at home."

Leo WolfsonMarch 18, 2025

Former Wyoming legislator Cyrus Western of Big Horn will run the EPA’s Denver field office, overseeing President Donald Trump’s agenda for the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains regions.

Former Wyoming Legislator Cyrus Western Picked To Run EPA Field Office

Former Wyoming legislator Cyrus Western of Big Horn will run the EPA’s Denver field office, overseeing President Trump’s agenda for the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains regions. “When the president asks you to work for him, you don’t say no,” Western said.

Leo WolfsonMarch 18, 2025

A group of protesters with signs line the back of the crowd Saturday at Rock Springs, Wyomng, town hall event hosted by U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman.

Protesters Get More Aggressive In Targeting Hageman At Rock Springs Town Hall

For the second time in three days Saturday, Democrats and others who oppose President Trump protested and heckled Harriet Hageman. During a Rock Springs town hall, she was met with signs and angry outbursts over her support for Trump and his policies.

Leo WolfsonMarch 17, 2025

Funeral services for Al Simpson have been announced, which includes two days of the former longtime Wyoming U.S. senator lying in honor at the Wyoming Capitol.

Former U.S. Sen. Al Simpson To Lie In State At Wyoming Capitol

Funeral services for Al Simpson have been announced, which includes two days of the former longtime Wyoming U.S. senator lying in honor at the Wyoming Capitol.

Leo WolfsonMarch 17, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon (FILE PHOTO)

Gordon Vetoes Bill Making New Attempt To Ban Abortion In Wyoming

Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed a bill on Friday that attempted a new approach at banning abortion in Wyoming. Gordon said he vetoed the bill because it would add further confusion to Wyoming’s abortion bans that are being considered in court.

Leo WolfsonMarch 15, 2025

Barrasso on senate floor 3 14 25

World, Wyoming Delegation Mourns Al Simpson’s Death

People from around Wyoming and the world expressed their condolences over the passing of former Wyoming U.S. Senator Al Simpson, who died Friday morning. His wife Ann told Sen. Barrasso that it was a full moon and “Al went to heaven on a moonbeam.”

Leo WolfsonMarch 14, 2025

Al and Ann Simpson on their 70th wedding anniversary in June 2024.

Former Wyoming U.S. Sen. Al Simpson Dies At 93, Remembered As Gentle Giant

Former U.S. Sen. Alan K. Simpson died early Friday morning at the age of 93, leaving a legacy of a man who transcended Wyoming culture and politics. Standing 6-foot-7, he’s remembered by friends and colleagues as a gentle statesman who truly served Wyoming.

Leo WolfsonMarch 14, 2025

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon. FILE PHOTO

Governor Signs College Transgender Sports Ban Into Law

Gov. Mark Gordon on Thursday signed a bill into law requiring Wyoming colleges to restrict athletes’ participation in sports to biological sex at birth. The law also prohibits schools from competing against other schools that don’t adhere to the same standard.

Leo WolfsonMarch 14, 2025

Country music stars Chancey Williams, left, and Toby Keith perform Keith's smash hit "Should've Been a Cowboy" at Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Bot Attack Crashes First Day Of Cheyenne Frontier Days Concert Ticket Sales

A bot attack on Thursday crashed the first day of ticket sales for Cheyenne Frontier Days’ nighttime concerts, causing the organization to shut off ticket sales and postpone them until next week.

Leo WolfsonMarch 13, 2025

Gordon and wildfires 1 28 25

New Law Aims To Protect Utility Companies And Ratepayers From Wildfire Lawsuits

A bill signed into law by Gov. Mark Gordon aims to put more responsibility on utility companies while also protecting them from lawsuits related to wildfires in Wyoming.

Leo WolfsonMarch 13, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon has vetoed an attempt by the Wyoming Legislature to defund his $152 million Energy Matching Funds program. He said the program has been used for alternative energy projects in the past.

Gordon Vetoes Attempt To Defund His Energy Project Program

Gov. Mark Gordon has vetoed an attempt by the Wyoming Legislature to defund his $152 million Energy Matching Funds program. The program has been used for energy projects, including fossil fuels and alternative energy.

Leo WolfsonMarch 12, 2025

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman wants more regulation on transfer rules for college student athletes. She said Tuesday that the University of Wyoming could’ve lost Josh Allen under the current NIL and transfer rules.

Hageman Calls For Transfer Portal Changes, Says Josh Allen May Not Have Stayed

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman says more regulation on transfer rules for college student athletes is needed. She said Tuesday that the University of Wyoming could’ve lost Josh Allen under the current NIL and transfer rules.

Leo WolfsonMarch 11, 2025

Sen. John Barrasso and Rep. Harriet Hageman are applauding President Donald Trump and his staff for arranging a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine on Tuesday. Now all that’s remaining is a commitment from Russia to play ball.

Barrasso, Hageman Applaud Ceasefire Agreement With Ukraine

Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso and Rep. Harriet Hageman are applauding President Donald Trump and his staff for arranging a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine on Tuesday. Now all that remains is a commitment from Russia to play ball.

Leo WolfsonMarch 11, 2025

U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis addresses the 2024 Wyoming Legislature in the Capitol in Cheyenne.

Cynthia Lummis ‘Gearing Up For Reelection’ To US Senate In 2026

U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis’ team confirmed to Cowboy State Daily on Tuesday that she’s gearing up for a reelection bid in 2026. That means there could be an even more crowded field for other statewide Wyoming races in 2026.

Leo WolfsonMarch 11, 2025

State Rep. John Bear wants to see more religious presence in Wyoming and national government, no matter the religion. He also wants the government to play no role in guiding religion.

John Bear Says There’s Room For More Faith In Wyoming, National Government

State Rep. John Bear wants to see more of a religious presence in Wyoming and national government, no matter the religion. He also wants the government to play no role in guiding religion.

Leo WolfsonMarch 11, 2025

Secretary of State Chuck Gray delivers a request to the state Attorney General's Office to remove the Weston County Clerk from office Monday, March 10, 2025.

Chuck Gray Calls For Weston County Clerk To Be Removed From Office

Secretary of State Chuck Gray said Monday he wants Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock removed from office and called for fast action from the governor and attorney general. Gov. Mark Gordon said Gray “likes to make a lot of noise.”

Leo WolfsonMarch 10, 2025

Former University of Wyoming football star Josh Allen signed a NFL record $330 million contract extension with the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. It includes $250 million in guaranteed money, the most in NFL history.

Former UW Star Josh Allen Signs NFL Record $330 Million Contract Extension

Former University of Wyoming football star Josh Allen signed an NFL record $330 million contract extension with the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. It includes $250 million in guaranteed money, the most in NFL history.

Leo WolfsonMarch 10, 2025

Cheyenne resident Virginia Clarke, 70, is a ball of energy as a Wyoming legislative staff member working the legislative session at the state Capitol. She walks about 70,000 steps a week, or about 35 miles.

Wyoming Legislative Staffer, 70, Walks 70,000 Steps A Week During Session

Cheyenne resident Virginia Clarke, 70, is a ball of energy as a Wyoming legislative staff member working the legislative session at the state Capitol. She walks about 70,000 steps a week, or about 35 miles.

Leo WolfsonMarch 08, 2025

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