Early voting for the Aug. 20 primary in Wyoming is already underway, setting the stage for the future of the heavily Republican state. The state’s GOP is divided into two main factions: the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, aligned with the national State Freedom Caucus Network, and the more moderate Wyoming Caucus. While the boundaries between the two groups are fuzzy, the Freedom Caucus has significant influence in the state senate, with over a dozen senators voting in line with its U.S. House members during the 2024 legislative session.
As the 2024 primaries unfold, the question of the Republican identity in Wyoming looms large. Will the momentum that led to Rep. Liz Cheney’s ouster in 2022 result in more Freedom Caucus members taking control of the state legislature, potentially shifting the balance of power? Or will moderate Republicans maintain their grip on power, albeit precariously? Advertisements for candidates in Wyoming reflect the state’s traditional values and way of life, with images of big belt buckles, sweeping landscapes, and appeals to preserve the “Wyoming way.”
The outcome of the primaries will be pivotal in determining the future political landscape of Wyoming. USA TODAY is closely monitoring both regional and congressional races in the Cowboy State. Cy Neff, reporting on Wyoming politics for the publication, can be reached at cneff@usatoday.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @CyNeffNews.
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