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.
Latest from Leo Wolfson
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
Meet Mike Yin: Wyoming Democrat And Perennial ‘Lone No Vote’ On Bills
House Minority Floor Leader Mike Yin of Jackson was the only Democrat on two of his committees during the 2025 Wyoming legislative session. That set him up to be the “lone no vote” on nearly 30 bills.
Leo WolfsonMarch 07, 2025
Freedom Caucus Claims Victory After Busy 2025 Wyoming Legislative Session
The Wyoming Freedom Caucus claimed victory Friday, saying the 2025 legislative session was a success for the group of conservative legislators, their first holding a majority in the state House.
Leo WolfsonMarch 07, 2025