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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

Cheyenne resident Joseph Kibler is so far the only declared candidate for Wyoming governor. The socially conservative Republican admits he’s “a nobody” and that his chances are beyond a longshot.

Republican Candidate For Wyoming Governor Admits He’s ‘A Nobody’

Cheyenne resident Joseph Kibler is so far the second declared candidate for Wyoming governor. The socially conservative Republican admits he’s “a nobody” and that his chances are beyond a longshot.

Leo WolfsonApril 16, 2025

The chairwoman of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, who lives in Riverton, Wyoming, says Trump’s promise to cut funding for PBS and NPR would be “devastating.” Trump says the organization is “very biased” and pushes liberal agendas.

Public Broadcasting Chief Calls Cuts ‘Devastating,’ Trump Says PBS “Very Biased”

The chairwoman of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, who lives in Riverton, Wyoming, says Trump’s promise to cut funding for PBS and NPR would be “devastating.” Trump says the organization is “very biased” and pushes liberal agendas.

Leo WolfsonApril 16, 2025

University of wyoming student union 8 8 23

It’s Not Known If The 6-10 UW Students Who Had Visas Revoked Are Still On Campus

The University of Wyoming says six to 10 international students have had their visas revoked by President Donald Trump’s administration. The university says it doesn’t know why the visas were revoked or if any of the students are still on campus.

Leo WolfsonApril 16, 2025

The University of Wyoming confirmed to Cowboy State Daily on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, that “a few” international students have had their visas to be in the United States revoked. Just how many students and why isn’t clear.

University of Wyoming International Students Have Visas Revoked

The University of Wyoming confirmed to Cowboy State Daily on Tuesday that “a few” international students have had their visas to be in the United States revoked. Just how many students and why isn’t clear.

Leo WolfsonApril 15, 2025

In a “WKRP In Cincinnati”-inspired test, Cowboy State Daily columnist Rod Miller demonstrated the dangers of drunk driving. On a closed-course demonstration hosted by the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, he took shots and drove a riding lawnmower through cones.

National Police Conference To Feature Laramie County Drunk Driving Lawn Mower Test

Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak said the WKRP-inspired video of Wyoming columnist Rod Miller getting drunk and then driving on a riding lawnmower will be getting some national exposure. The video, which illustrates the dangers of drunk driving, will be featured at a national police conference.

Leo WolfsonApril 15, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon, left, and Dr. Eric Cubin.

Judge Tosses Casper Doctor’s Lawsuit To Get Back On Wyoming Board Of Medicine

A federal court judge threw out Casper radiologist Eric Cubin’s lawsuit against Gov. Mark Gordon on Monday, rendering a blow to his effort to get back on the Wyoming Board of Medicine.

Leo WolfsonApril 15, 2025

Wyoming’s congressional delegation and Secretary of State Chuck Gray say that the SAVE Act will not prevent married women from registering to vote. They say those claims and more by Democrats are “radical left” hype and “a complete fallacy.”

Wyoming Delegation, Chuck Gray Say Opposition To SAVE Act Is ‘Radical Left’ Hype

Wyoming’s congressional delegation and Secretary of State Chuck Gray say that the federal SAVE Act will not prevent married women from registering to vote. They say those claims and more by Democrats are “radical left” hype and “a complete fallacy.”

Leo WolfsonApril 15, 2025

Cody resident Jona Harris recently resigned her position as executive director of the Park County Animal Shelter over the shelter’s policy to perform spay abortions on pregnant cats.

Park County Animal Shelter Director Resigns Over Cat Abortions Policy

Cody resident Jona Harris recently resigned her position as executive director of the Park County Animal Shelter over the shelter’s policy to perform spay abortions on pregnant cats.

Leo WolfsonApril 14, 2025

The Wyoming Legislature’s YouTube channel already has nearly 220,000 views this year, more than all of 2024. Politics is becoming more of a spectator sport as more people watch livestreamed meetings and floor debates.

Legislature’s YouTube Views Explode As Politics Becomes More Of A Spectator Sport

The Wyoming Legislature’s YouTube channel already has nearly 220,000 views this year, more than all of 2024. State politics is becoming more of a spectator sport as more people watch livestreamed meetings and floor debates.

Leo WolfsonApril 14, 2025

Members of the 1949 Reliance state championship basketball team. Top row, from left: Coach Jack Smith, Ronald Wilson, Robert Burns, Tony Tsakakis, Everett Hernandez, John Fortuna, George “Bud” Nelson, Stan Kouris, Claude Thomas, Walter Sawick, assistant coach Thomas Manatos. Bottom row: Manager Henry Telck, George Jelaco, Michael Fresques, James Rafferty, William Strannigan, Ernest Mecca, Spiro Varras.

Wyoming’s ‘Hoosiers’: How Tiny Reliance Beat The Unbeatable To Make Run At 1949 Title

Forget Hollywood, Wyoming had its own real “Hoosiers” Cinderella story in 1949. That’s when the high school basketball team from the tiny coal town of Reliance beat the unbeatable, defending state champion Cheyenne High School, to make the title game.

Leo WolfsonApril 12, 2025

A judicial nominating commission tasked with helping Wyoming's governor fill a seat left vacant by the state Supreme Court’s chief justice has nominated three candidates for his consideration, including Wyoming Attorney General Bridget Hill. She's seen here during a fireside chat with state attorneys general presented by the Techology Policy Institute.

Gordon Appoints Attorney General Bridget Hill To Wyoming Supreme Court

Gov. Mark Gordon announced Friday that he’s selected Attorney General Bridget Hill to fill an upcoming opening on the Wyoming Supreme Court.

Leo WolfsonApril 12, 2025

Liam Cobb, 19, a wind turbine technician from Dougals, died Wednesday from a fall while working on a turbine in Carbon County. His family says he’ll be remembered for his kindness and intense curiosity about the world.

19-Year-Old Wyoming Wind Technician Dies In Fall From Turbine

Liam Cobb, 19, a wind turbine technician from Douglas, died Wednesday from a fall while working on a turbine in Carbon County. His family says he’ll be remembered for his kindness and intense curiosity about the world.

Leo WolfsonApril 11, 2025

Other Authors

Wyoming Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis told Cowboy State Daily on Thursday they support a Trump administration plan to sell federal land to help ease an affordable housing crunch.

Barrasso, Lummis Support Selling Off Public Land For Affordable Housing

Wyoming Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis told Cowboy State Daily on Thursday they support a Trump administration plan to sell federal land to help ease an affordable housing crunch.

Leo WolfsonApril 10, 2025

Guns capitol 4 8 25

State Agencies, Schools And Towns Scramble To Get Rid Of Gun-Free Zones

A new law banning gun-free zones in Wyoming has state agencies and schools scrambling to make rules to implement it by July 1, when it becomes active.

Leo WolfsonApril 10, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon isn’t pleased about a new law that gives the Legislature more power to override state agency rules that he has the final say to approve or deny. He says from now on, he just won’t sign new rules until a majority of legislators approve.

Not Happy With New Law, Gordon Won’t Sign New Rules Without Legislature’s OK

Gov. Mark Gordon isn’t pleased about a new law that gives the Legislature more power to override state agency rules that he has the final say to approve or deny. He says from now on, he just won’t sign new rules until a majority of legislators approve.

Leo WolfsonApril 09, 2025

Wyoming capitol 4 9 25

Tariffs A New Wrinkle As Wyoming Legislators Look To Next Biennial Budget

Wyoming legislators are already eyeing next year’s biennial budget and the priorities they would like to see in a changing economic landscape under President Donald Trump. The impact of tariffs is something to account for as are uncertain oil prices.

Leo WolfsonApril 09, 2025

Patrons play the games at the new Horse Palace off I-25 south of Cheyenne.

Legislature Wants Tighter Regulations On Wyoming Gaming

The Legislature’s Management Council created a new committee Tuesday that will be directed to get better control on legal gaming in Wyoming. It will make that happen with more regulations on gambling.

Leo WolfsonApril 08, 2025

A number of Wyoming legislators complained this past session about interim committee bills that were never introduced, saying it was a waste of time to craft bills that went nowhere. On Tuesday, the number of interim meetings was cut from six to four.

Legislature Cuts Meetings After Summer Committee Bills Go Nowhere

A number of Wyoming legislators complained this past session about interim committee bills that were never introduced, saying it was a waste of time to craft bills that went nowhere. On Tuesday, the number of interim meetings was cut from six to four.

Leo WolfsonApril 08, 2025

Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc. is reporting even better returns at its Halleck Creek rare earth mining site. That helps grow Wyoming’s lead in the race for domestic production — and processing — of critical rare earth minerals.

Chinese Export Restrictions Could Help Wyoming’s Rare Earths Industry

Wyoming’s rare earth minerals industry is cautiously optimistic about restrictions China has put on exporting the same rare earth minerals they mine in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Leo WolfsonApril 07, 2025

Former Wyoming First lady Sherri Geringer, wife of former Gov. Jim Geringer, died Saturday after battling an extended illness. One longtime friend says she’ll be remembered for her “quiet, classy approach to her work as first lady.”

Former Wyoming First Lady Sherri Geringer Dies, Remembered As ‘Quiet, Classy’

Former Wyoming first lady Sherri Geringer, wife of former Gov. Jim Geringer, died Saturday after battling an extended illness. One longtime friend says she’ll be remembered for her “quiet, classy approach to her work as first lady.”

Leo WolfsonApril 07, 2025

Allyson Fertig was a Wyoming high school basketball star before becoming one of the best Division I players in the nation at UW. She rewrote the record book, and on Saturday plays in front of pro scouts.

Allyson Fertig A Division I All-Star, Rewrote UW Women’s Hoops Record Book

Allyson Fertig was a Wyoming high school basketball star before becoming one of the best Division I players in the nation at UW. She rewrote the record book, and on Saturday plays in front of pro scouts.

Leo WolfsonApril 05, 2025

Secretary of State Chuck Gray, left, and Gov. Mark Gordon sparred over two wind farms planned for eastern Wyoming during a State Board of Land Commissioners meeting on Thursday, April; 3, 2025.

Chuck Gray, Gov. Gordon Squabble Over Approval Of Wind Farms

Tempers flared again Thursday between Gov. Mark Gordon and Secretary of State Chuck Gray. This time they squabbled over two wind farm projects that will lease state land in Niobrara and Converse counties if given final approval.

Leo WolfsonApril 04, 2025

Sean Brennan, 57 of Hudson, Wyoming, was confronted Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, in Lander for allegedly having sexually-charged online conversations with decoys he thought were underage girls.

Hudson Man Caught By Video Vigilante Pleads Guilty To Federal Child Porn Charge

A Hudson man will go to prison for at least 10 years after pleading guilty Thursday to possessing child pornography. He was caught in September when a video vigilante tracked him to his job in Wyoming and confronted him. His boss fired him on the spot.

Leo WolfsonApril 03, 2025

Records show that Wyoming Attorney General Bridget Hill hasn’t filed charges on any of the 16 cases referred to her office by Secretary of State Chuck Gray in 2024. She says her office is still investigating half of them.

Wyoming Attorney General Hasn’t Prosecuted 16 Complaints Referred By Chuck Gray

Records show that Wyoming Attorney General Bridget Hill hasn’t filed charges on any of the 16 election complaints referred to her office by Secretary of State Chuck Gray in 2024. She says her office is still investigating half of them.

Leo WolfsonApril 03, 2025

U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyoming

Hageman Tried To Block GOP Rebellion That Shut Down House Floor

Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman says she tried unsuccessfully Tuesday to prevent a GOP floor rebellion that led to votes being canceled for the rest of the week in the House.

Leo WolfsonApril 02, 2025

Republican state Rep. Lee Filer runs a Cheyenne-based cryptocurrency mining operation, and that tariff threats with Canada are spiking equipment prices. “I didn’t think it would hit my business, but it did,” Filer said.

Wyoming Crypto Miner Says Tariff Threats Spiking Prices For Equipment

Republican state Rep. Lee Filer runs a Cheyenne-based cryptocurrency mining operation, and that tariff threats with Canada are spiking equipment prices. “I didn’t think it would hit my business, but it did,” Filer said.

Leo WolfsonApril 02, 2025

The way some Wyoming county Republican parties have been conducting their elections this spring is causing some to feud with the state party. In one case, the conflict may have impacted results.

County Republicans Feuding With State GOP Over Local Party Elections

The way some Wyoming county Republican parties have been conducting their elections this spring is causing some to feud with the state party. In one case, the conflict may have impacted results.

Leo WolfsonApril 02, 2025

Colin Pitet stares out at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple being built next door to his home.

As Construction Moves Fast, Divide Over 101-Foot Cody LDS Temple Remains Wide

As a controversial 101-foot-tall LDS temple is taking shape in Cody, locals remain strongly divided over it. There’s still plenty of open opposition to the temple, including protest signs.

Leo WolfsonApril 01, 2025

The family and close friends of former U.S. Sen. Al Simpson gave him a final goodbye in Cody on Monday, sharing laughs, tears and hugs. His brother and lifelong best friend Pete got a standing ovation for his tribute.

Tears, Laughter As Family And Friends Give Final Goodbye To Al Simpson

The family and close friends of former U.S. Sen. Al Simpson gave him a final goodbye in Cody on Monday, sharing laughs, tears and hugs. His brother and lifelong best friend Pete got a standing ovation for his tribute.

Leo WolfsonMarch 31, 2025

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

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