Government & Politics | Cowboy State Daily

Judge Orders Wyoming Republican Party To Follow State Law

In a setback to the Wyoming Republican Party’s long mission to gain independence from state law, a Uinta County judge Friday upheld multiple Wyoming election laws, dismissing the state Party’s claims that its rights trump them.

Clair McFarlandMay 30, 2026

Riverton State Rep. Doesn't File By Friday Deadline To Run After Residency Issue

A Riverton-based state House representative who lived outside his district for at least seven months of the past year did not file to run for reelection by Friday’s deadline, after the local county clerk opined he was ineligible.

Clair McFarlandMay 30, 2026

Despite His Videos, Wyoming Politicos Say Reid Rasner Campaign Is Not A Parody

Despite a series of bizarre, controversial and sometimes outrageous campaign videos, Wyoming politicos say Reid Rasner’s campaign for U.S. House is not a parody. “Why would somebody spend this much money on a joke?” said state Rep. John Bear.

Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2026

Gillette-based attorney Steve Titus is so sick of hearing of local governments debating or denying grants to Gillette Reproductive Health, he cut the group a $25,000 check of his own money.

Gillette Lawyer Gives $25K To Reproductive Clinic, Calls Commission ‘Ass-Backward’

A Gillette-based attorney is so sick of Gillette Reproductive Health being denied money, he wrote a scathing letter and cut the group a check for $25,000. “I’m so sick and tired of the ass-backwards bull**** in the commissioners’ office,” he wrote.

Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2026

Wyoming Democrats in a file photo from the Democratic National Convention in 2024, casting their votes for Kamala Harris.

Democrats Now Have Parties In All Wyoming Counties For First Time In Modern Memory

For the first time in modern memory, Democrats have parties in all 23 Wyoming counties with Niobrara and Lincoln counties finally reviving theirs. "A lot of people are concerned with the Freedom Caucus," a spokesman for the Democrats said.

Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2026

he North Platte River’s Miracle Mile section near Casper is a prized trout fishery. There’s concern that a pumped water storage project on Seminoe Reservoir could ruin the fishery

Critics Say Seminoe Project Threatens Miracle Mile Trout Fishery, Casper's Water

Critics told legislators Thursday that a proposed 972-megawatt power project at Seminoe Reservoir in Carbon County could threaten Wyoming’s legendary Miracle Mile trout fishery. It also could impact Casper’s water supply, they said.

Mark HeinzMay 28, 2026

State Rep. Scott Smith, R-Lingle, left, and Wyoming Treasurer Curt Meier.

Freedom Caucus Member Scott Smith Challenging Curt Meier For Wyoming Treasurer

Lingle-based state Rep. Scott Smith, a member of the Freedom Caucus, is challenging Wyoming Treasurer Curt Meier for his seat. Smith says he wants to increase Wyoming's wealth, while Meier said that, "He says he's going to do the same thing I am."

Clair McFarlandMay 28, 2026

Uinta County resident Keaunna Archuleta came to Wednesday's Planning and Zoning Commission meeting with five notebooks filled with questions about the proposed Prometheus Hyperscale data center.

Uinta County Planners Give Unanimous OK To 1.25-Gigawatt Prometheus Data Center

Uinta County planners voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend permit approvals for a huge 1.25-gigawatt data center. “Officials need to do their research on data centers,” said one of the few people from the standing-room-only crowd to speak out.

Renée JeanMay 28, 2026

U.S. House candidate Bo Biteman was quick to share a letter from the White House thanking him for his work in the state Senate. "I’m honored to receive recognition from the White House for helping advance President Trump’s priorities,” Biteman said.

Biteman Touts Letter From White House Thanking Him, Senate For Their Work

U.S. House candidate Bo Biteman was quick to share a letter from the White House thanking him for his work as state Senate president. "I’m honored to receive recognition from the White House for helping advance President Trump’s priorities,” Biteman said.

Clair McFarlandMay 28, 2026

Wyoming is killing more "conflict" grizzlies than would be killed by hunters if the bears were delisted, Wyoming Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce said Wednesday. One legislator said that if the goal is to kill fewer grizzlies, hunting might be the better option.

Director Says Game And Fish Likely Killing More Grizzlies Than Hunters Would

Wyoming is killing more "conflict" grizzlies than would be killed by hunters if the bears were delisted, the state Game and Fish director said Wednesday. One legislator said that if the goal is to kill fewer grizzlies, hunting might be the better option.

Mark HeinzMay 27, 2026

Marcie Kindred, representing Wyoming’s AFLCIO, talks during the Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Cheyenne City Council meeting about a proposed data center moratorium.

Full Speed Ahead For Cheyenne Data Centers As Council Rejects Moratorium

A 12-month moratorium on data centers in Cheyenne was rejected on a 9-1 City Council vote after hours of emotional, and at times angry, testimony Tuesday night. “The people who put you in your position are terrified,” one resident told the council.

Kate MeadowsMay 27, 2026

A packed house turned out in Evanston's Roundhouse to hear answers about Prometheus Hyperscale's proposed data center in Uinta County.

Prometheus Faces Skeptical Crowd In Evanston Over Huge 1.2GW Data Center

Fifth-generation Wyoming rancher Trenton Thornock pitched a huge 1.2 gigawatt data center on family land to a skeptical Evanston crowd on Tuesday. The project is facing a rising tide of opposition against data centers locally and across Wyoming.

Renée JeanMay 27, 2026

State Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, left, and Secretary of State Chuck Gray.

Mike Yin Bristles At Chuck Gray Plan To Ban Political Party Changes After Jan. 1

State Rep. Mike Yin argued against a proposal by Chuck Gray to ban political party changes after Jan. 1 in election years. “Why are you interested in making it harder for people?” Yin asked. “I view it as an election integrity issue,” Gray answered.

Clair McFarlandMay 26, 2026

Fremont Clerk Says Guggenmos Ineligible For Reelection But Up To Chuck Gray

Fremont County Clerk Julie Freese told Rep. Joel Guggenmos that he's not eligible to run for reelection this year because he lived outside his district. However, Secretary of State Chuck Gray must make the final decision.

Clair McFarlandMay 22, 2026

Fiery Reception For Chuck Gray As Lawmakers Punt On Racial Gerrymandering Dispute

Protestors carried signs criticizing Secretary of State Chuck Gray on Friday at a committee meeting in Lander, as the secretary urged lawmakers to address potential racial gerrymandering. Legislators declined to take action on the issue.

Clair McFarlandMay 22, 2026

People are blaming — and crediting — the Wyoming Freedom Caucus for the Wyoming Legislature’s nearly $4 billion school spending package. Whether the caucus deserves either depends on whom you ask. It had “overwhelming support” across the Legislature. Above, Freedom Caucus members outside the state Capitol in Cheyenne during the 2026 legislative session.

Why Are People Blaming The Freedom Caucus For $4 Billion School Funding Package?

People are blaming — and crediting — the Wyoming Freedom Caucus for the Legislature's nearly $4 billion school spending package. Whether the caucus deserves either depends on whom you ask, but the package had "overwhelming support" from both parties.

Clair McFarlandMay 22, 2026

After Attorney General Says Don't, Converse County Won’t Fast-Track Data Centers

Converse County this week rescinded an order that could have fast-tracked data centers and given the county more control in the process. It's a legal issue. But people also "lost their minds” when they heard “fast-track,” said a local legislator.

Clair McFarlandMay 21, 2026

Former BLM Director Says Steve Pearce’s Confirmation Is Good News For Wyoming

A former BLM director says Steve Pearce’s confirmation to lead agency is good news for Wyoming’s energy industries, ranchers and land use. “It’s supposed to be used for all sorts of things,” William Perry Pendley said about federal public lands.

Kate MeadowsMay 21, 2026

Wyoming regulators are cracking down on bar raffle games like Queen of Hearts and Music Bingo that raise money charities, saying they’re illegal gambling. Above, Brian "Alf" Grzegorczyk has helped raise more than $4.5 million for local charities through his Thankful Thursday events.

Charity Bar Games Getting Shut Down By Wyoming Gambling Crackdown

Wyoming regulators are cracking down on bar raffle games like Queen of Hearts and Music Bingo that raise money for charities, saying they’re illegal gambling. “Why is horse racing an exception, but not charity?” asks an event organizer.

Renée JeanMay 21, 2026

Data Center Rumors Provoke Fear, Concern In Lincoln County

Rumors of a data center development in Lincoln County has provoked fear as locals get more vocal against them. “Everybody’s talking about them,” a county commissioner said — and jumping the gun, because there are now no data center projects on the table.

Kate MeadowsMay 20, 2026

State politicos told Cowboy State Daily on Wednesday that the Trump-driven ousting of Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie sends a message to Wyoming and the nation. “Don’t step out of line,” says a former legislator. “If you do, you’ll get the boot.”

‘Don’t Step Out Of Line’: Massie Loss A Message To All Republican Candidates

State politicos told Cowboy State Daily that the Trump-driven ousting of Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie sends a message to Wyoming and the nation. “Don’t step out of line,” says a former legislator. “If you do, you’ll get the boot.”

Clair McFarlandMay 20, 2026

An industry lawyer calls last week's unanimous Supreme Court decision that trucking brokers are liable for hiring unsafe drivers “a monumental victory.” All three branches of federal government are cracking down on sketchy trucking practices.

Crackdown On Sketchy Trucking Practices Continues With Supreme Court Decision

An industry lawyer calls the Supreme Court's unanimous decision that trucking brokers are liable for hiring unsafe drivers “a monumental victory.” All three branches of federal government are cracking down on sketchy trucking practices.

Clair McFarlandMay 19, 2026

Looks Like Feds Won't Let Wyoming Invest Trump-Backed Health Care Grants

The federal government looks likely to reject Wyoming's plan to invest roughly $1 billion in projected Trump-backed grants for rural medical services. Wyoming has to spend the money quickly instead, which leaves one economist full of questions and concerns.

Clair McFarlandMay 19, 2026

A long line of people formed on both sides of the room during an emotional, four-hour hearing before the Public Services Committee on a moratorium for new data centers.

Cheyenne City Committee Won’t Support — Or Reject — Data Center Moratorium

Cheyenne’s Public Service Committee didn’t endorse or reject a 12-month moratorium on new data centers after hours of emotional testimony Monday. State legislators say the clash exposes issues the Wyoming Legislature may need to address.

Renée JeanMay 19, 2026