Wyoming’s lone U.S. representative has announced a bid for the state’s open Senate seat as Cynthia Lummis steps down. The announcement comes after Lummis, a Republican who has served since 2021, declared she will not seek reelection, citing that her stamina “doesn’t match up” with the energy needed for another term.
Hageman’s Campaign Launch
On Tuesday, Harriet Hageman became the first candidate to file for the Wyoming Senate seat. In her statement, she pledged to defend the state’s natural resources and economic vitality, saying, “I will always defend Wyoming’s ability to access, manage and use our natural resources to fuel our economy,” and adding, “We must ensure that Wyoming remains a leader in energy and food production to help us maintain our way of life.”
Trump Endorsement
Within hours of Hageman’s announcement, President Donald Trump publicly backed her on Truth Social. Trump posted, “ALWAYS delivered for Wyoming, and will continue to do so in the United States Senate,” underscoring the president’s confidence in Hageman’s ability to represent Wyoming at the federal level.
Hageman’s Legal and Political Roots
Hageman is a Cheyenne attorney who represents ranchers throughout the state. Her background in law and her ties to Wyoming’s agricultural community have shaped her political platform, which emphasizes energy development and rural economic growth.
2022 Primary Victory Over Liz Cheney
In 2022, Hageman challenged Republican incumbent Liz Cheney in the primary. Cheney, the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, had faced backlash in Wyoming for opposing Donald Trump and for leading an investigation into the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Hageman defeated Cheney by more than a 2-to-1 margin, signaling a shift in the state’s Republican electorate.
2022 General Election Success
Following her primary win, Hageman ran unopposed by a Democrat in the general election. She secured a decisive victory, winning by a wider margin than in the primary and capturing over 70% of the vote. Her performance demonstrated the strength of her support base in a heavily Republican state.
2024 Re-election
In 2024, Hageman was reelected to the U.S. House of Representatives with more than 70% of the vote once again. Her continued dominance in the state’s congressional races highlights her growing influence and the electorate’s approval of her policy positions.
Cynthia Lummis’s Career Overview
Lummis has served as a U.S. senator since 2021 and is nearing a half-century of public service. Her career includes time in the Wyoming Legislature, two terms as state treasurer, and four terms as a U.S. representative. Lummis’s long tenure has made her a prominent figure in state and national politics.
Lummis’s Decision to Step Down
When announcing her decision not to seek reelection, Lummis noted that her stamina did not “match up” with the demands of another term. Her statement reflected a personal assessment of her capacity to serve effectively in the Senate.
Wyoming’s Historical Political Landscape
Wyoming has not elected a Democratic U.S. senator or representative since the late 1970s. The state’s political history has been dominated by Republican representation at the federal level, a context that frames the significance of Hageman’s candidacy and the upcoming Senate race.
Key Takeaways
- Harriet Hageman is the first to announce a run for the Wyoming Senate seat as Cynthia Lummis steps down.
- President Trump endorsed Hageman within hours of her announcement, emphasizing her track record.
- Hageman’s 2022 primary win over Liz Cheney and subsequent electoral successes illustrate her strong standing in Wyoming politics.
The Senate race will likely reflect Wyoming’s longstanding Republican leanings, but Hageman’s recent victories suggest she may bring a new dynamic to the state’s representation in Washington.
