Wyoming Senate Race Heats Up
Harriet Hageman, the sole U.S. representative from Wyoming, has officially entered the race for the Senate seat currently held by Cynthia Lummis. This announcement came shortly after Lummis revealed she would not pursue reelection.
Hageman, a Republican, made her campaign declaration on Tuesday, becoming the first candidate to step forward following Lummis's decision last Friday to not seek a second term. In her statement, Hageman emphasized her commitment to Wyoming's interests, stating, "I will always defend Wyoming’s ability to access, manage and use our natural resources to fuel our economy. We must ensure that Wyoming remains a leader in energy and food production to help us maintain our way of life."
Within hours of her announcement, Hageman secured the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. On Truth Social, Trump praised her, writing that she has "ALWAYS delivered for Wyoming, and will continue to do so in the United States Senate."
Political Background and Recent Victories
Hageman, a Cheyenne attorney known for representing ranchers, gained national attention in 2022 when she defeated Republican Representative Liz Cheney by a significant margin. Cheney, daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, faced declining support in Wyoming due to her opposition to Trump and her leadership role in investigating his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. In the 2022 Republican primary, Hageman won by more than a two-to-one margin.
Following her primary victory, Hageman went on to win the general election in 2022 by an even larger margin in the heavily Republican state. She was reelected in 2024 with over 70% of the vote.
Lummis's Political Career
Cynthia Lummis, who has served as a U.S. senator since 2021, is approaching a half-century in politics. Her career includes time in the state Legislature, two terms as state treasurer, and four terms as a U.S. representative. Lummis cited her stamina as a reason for not seeking another term, noting it didn't "match up" with the energy required.
Wyoming's political landscape has long been dominated by Republicans, with no Democratic U.S. senator or representative elected since the late 1970s.
