AGP Executive Report

Wyoming Elections & Parties: The Wyoming GOP reminded candidates about proper use of the federally registered elephant logo, warning against using it (or close lookalikes) before the primary. U.S. Senate Race: Two Democrats are now in Wyoming’s U.S. Senate scramble—Billy Benavidez filed after former Rep. James Byrd, setting up an Aug. 18 primary. Statewide Office: CJ Young announced his run for Wyoming Secretary of State, pitching election integrity and professional administration. Marijuana Policy: Wyoming’s attorney general filed an objection to automatically rescheduling marijuana under state law, arguing the legislature—not agencies—should decide. Local Government: Casper dropped a 14th Street local assessment district after residents objected, while councilors also discussed how the city communicates LADs. Public Safety & Community: Laramie County launched Wyoming’s first Blue Envelope program to help deputies communicate with residents with autism and other disabilities during stressful encounters. Education: Lawmakers on the Joint Education Committee heard interim plans, including changes to charter enrollment and a “basket of goods” funding model. Wyoming Infrastructure: WYDOT warned candidates and residents that political signage in state right-of-way is illegal and will be removed.

Wyoming U.S. Senate Primaries: Five Republicans and two Democrats filed for Wyoming’s Aug. 18 GOP and Dem primaries for the junior U.S. Senate seat, setting up a crowded GOP race featuring Rep. Harriet Hageman and Sam Mead. Supercomputing Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s plan to transfer control of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center, saying the move likely violated federal law and looked politically motivated; UCAR’s lawsuit is paused for now. Sheriff Vacancy: Sweetwater County GOP set a June 13 meeting to pick three finalists for commissioners to appoint to the vacant sheriff seat, with applications due June 10. Election Data Complaint: A Cheyenne attorney asked the Wyoming Supreme Court to intervene in a complaint alleging Secretary of State Chuck Gray shared sensitive voter data with the DOJ, including a request for recusal and an independent prosecutor. Local Government & Public Safety: Casper’s Tower Hill slash pile is closed until further notice due to burn-permit and weather/fuel-moisture concerns, with officials revisiting in fall. Veterans & Community: Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum held a grand reopening in Casper, preserving stories from the Spanish-American War through the Global War on Terror.

Fuel Tax Fight: Wyoming lawmakers are weighing a possible fuel tax suspension to blunt gas prices, but WYDOT warns it could cost roughly $9.5–$10.5 million a month and slow major highway work. U.S. House Politics: A former Wyoming Democrat, Keith B. Goodenough, filed as a Republican challenger for the state’s lone U.S. House seat, joining a crowded GOP field ahead of the Aug. 18 primary. Governor Race: Democrat Kenneth Casner filed for governor, while in Campbell County a GOP debate featured Megan Degenfelder and Brent Bien trading conservative priorities on election integrity, abortion, schools, and energy. Courts & Rights: A Brennan Center report flags major state supreme court cases this month on property taxes, gun rules, voting rights, and court access. Public Safety: A Highway 22 crash in Jackson released about 250 gallons of raw sewage; cleanup involved berming and washing. Health Policy: CMS is rolling out new Medicaid work-related requirements for many adults starting Jan. 1, 2027, with major exemptions. Wyoming on the Federal Front: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from transferring control of the NCAR-Wyoming supercomputing center, citing “brain drain” risks. Local Government: Green River Ward 3 candidate Paul Stevens pitched lower water/sewer rates and better recreation; Teton County commissioner candidate Melchor Moore emphasized private property rights and fiscal accountability.

NCAR Fight in the Courts: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from dismantling the National Center for Atmospheric Research, calling the move unlawful and tied to “political revenge,” and ordered the pause of steps that would shift control of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center in Cheyenne. Local Governance & Data Centers: Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins’ administration is hosting a public informational panel on data centers after residents raised concerns about expansions, water use, and how projects fit local planning and utility rates. Rural Health Policy: The Senate unanimously passed legislation to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five years, aiming to help rural hospitals test Medicare payment models to stay financially stable. Wyoming Politics & Candidates: Kevin Christensen, a Wyoming House candidate and former BLM district leader, discussed his run and plans in a Wyoming radio interview. Wyoming Mental Health Outreach: The “WY We Care Survivors Campaign” is spotlighting Wyoming residents’ mental health stories to encourage people to seek help. Energy & Wildlife: A major elk-habitat lease sale in northwestern Colorado would open migration and winter habitat near Dinosaur National Monument to oil and gas leasing, with concerns about impacts to dark-sky tourism.

Wyoming Elections Watch: Wyoming’s primaries are crowded, with a dozen candidates filing for the lone U.S. House seat and competitive races also lined up for the U.S. Senate seat, governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, and head of public schools. State Finance: State Treasurer Curt Meier is pushing again for a Wyoming Generational Investment Account that would redirect part of the Legislature’s reserve into a permanent fund to stabilize long-term revenue. Public Lands & Recreation: The BLM Rawlins Field Office says vandalism at Continental Divide Campground damaged a vault toilet, driving up repair costs and pulling money from other recreation improvements. Energy & Infrastructure: South Bow secured multi-year shipper commitments to advance the proposed Prairie Connector pipeline, a partial Keystone XL revival stretching from Alberta to Wyoming, with a mid-2027 decision expected. Federal Courts & Research: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from dismantling NCAR’s control over the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center in Cheyenne, citing unlawful action and possible political retaliation. Cyber/Tech Policy: Wyoming’s Cynthia Lummis is urging passage of the CLARITY Act as a Senate vote nears, warning the next digital-asset legislative window could be years away. Community & Culture: Jackson Hole Pride released its June schedule, including free youth events and a Pride banner walk.

Federal Policy & Wyoming Workers: The Trump administration’s Office of Personnel Management is proposing governmentwide non-disclosure agreements for about 5,857 federal workers in Wyoming, with public comment open until June 26—raising alarms about added secrecy and reduced transparency. Wyoming Elections & Courts: A Wyoming Supreme Court ruling backs KHOL in a $219,000 loan dispute, while Gray is asking to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Wyoming’s closed primaries. Wyoming Senate Race: James Byrd, a Democrat seeking to challenge GOP candidates for Wyoming’s U.S. Senate seat, frames his run around his family’s public-service legacy and working-class priorities. Local Government (Sheridan): Sheridan County commissioners will consider pre-paying $200,000 for a new ambulance for Wyoming Regional EMS, plus election-judge pay and other county resolutions. Energy & Regulation (Regional): North Dakota oil leaders say “time is the enemy” as they race to develop enhanced oil recovery tech ahead of federal changes, with no “silver bullet” yet. Crypto Watch: A New York lawsuit seeks ownership of about 3.8 million dormant Bitcoin, including wallets linked to Satoshi, using lost-property law. National Politics (Crypto Law Deadline): Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis is pushing the CLARITY Act as lawmakers face a June floor-time crunch, with some warning the next realistic opening could slip to 2030.

U.S. Senate Race Watch: Democrat James Byrd is challenging Wyoming’s GOP Senate field for the seat Cynthia Lummis will vacate, pitching a working-class agenda rooted in his family’s Wyoming political and law-enforcement legacy. Crypto Policy: Sen. Cynthia Lummis warns the CLARITY Act could slip until 2030 if Congress can’t act soon, arguing the U.S. needs clear rules now for both developers and law enforcement. Federal Workforce & Secrecy: A Trump administration proposal would require thousands of Wyoming federal workers to sign non-disclosure agreements, drawing criticism that it adds “another layer” of secrecy. Rural Health Funding: Wyoming lawmakers are weighing a plan to stretch five years of new federal rural health grants “forever,” but it hinges on federal approval. Local Elections: Sweetwater County filing updates show multiple races taking shape, including a new GOP bid for county clerk and several mayor/council contests in Green River and Wamsutter. Energy & Land Use: A major federal oil-and-gas lease sale in Colorado could affect migration habitat reaching into southern Wyoming, raising wildlife and dark-sky tourism concerns.

Election Filings: Sweetwater County Clerk Cindy Swenson picked up a Republican challenger on the final filing day, while Green River mayor and council races expanded with additional candidates, and multiple state legislative and U.S. House filings set up new GOP-vs-Dem matchups. Crypto Regulation: Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis says the CLARITY Act’s “now or never” push is entering a make-or-break June, warning that if Congress doesn’t act this session, the next realistic window could be 2030. Local Government & Data Centers: Cheyenne is hosting a June 6 informational panel on data centers after residents’ concerns—and the city has already rejected a data center moratorium. Education Policy: Gillette school board members continue refining a proposed full cellphone ban after public pushback, while Cody High School’s first-year “No Phone Zone” policy is credited with fewer discipline referrals and improved grades. Energy & Wildlife: Wyoming lawmakers heard testimony on a proposed pumped-water storage project near Seminoe Reservoir, with critics warning it could harm trout habitat and bighorn sheep. Public Lands Recreation: Trump rescinded older off-road vehicle restrictions on public lands, potentially easing limits in many national parks.

Crypto Regulation Deadline: Sen. Cynthia Lummis says the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act may have to wait until 2030 if Congress doesn’t act now, warning developers and law enforcement lack clear tools in the meantime. Voting Rights & Access: A federal judge in New Hampshire ruled the state must let voters attest to citizenship when they can’t produce documents, after changes removed a sworn affidavit option. Wyoming Elections Court Fight: Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray moved to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the state’s closed primary system, arguing plaintiffs failed to allege facts. Local Governance/Data Centers: Cheyenne will host a June 6 information panel on data centers and development, aiming to answer resident concerns on both sides. Wildlife & Land Protection: Wyoming’s “Path of the Pronghorn” is nearing the next step toward protecting a long-fought migration route. Affordability Watch: A new survey finds 42% of adults 30+ feel financially insecure, with rising costs hitting retirement planning hard. Education Milestones: LCSD1 in Cheyenne held multiple high school graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2026.

Housing & Insurance Costs: A new report says the property insurance crisis is hitting renters too, especially in subsidized and affordable units, where rising premiums can push up rents or force deferred maintenance. Election Law & Access: Secretary of State Chuck Gray moved to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Wyoming’s closed primaries, arguing plaintiffs can’t show enough facts while the case centers on voters’ party-affiliation deadline. Voter Roll Warnings: AARP Wyoming urged voters to double-check registration ahead of the 2026 primary, citing a drop of nearly 26,000 registered voters since January 2025. Tech, Land Use & Energy: Microsoft’s Cheyenne data center expansion is drawing scrutiny as property records show major acreage tied to Sen. Cynthia Lummis, raising questions about local impacts amid drought. Local Governance & Public Safety: Sheridan County warned residents about a text scam claiming an unpaid Laramie County traffic infraction and a looming court date. Courts & Elections: Former Weston County clerk Becky Hadlock reached a plea deal that would reduce felony election-code charges to a misdemeanor, avoiding jail if accepted. Outdoor Land Protection: Cheyenne Mountain State Park expanded with new land and a recreation agreement, boosting open-space protection for a major regional destination.

Childcare Crunch in Wyoming: A new national look at “childcare deserts” says Wyoming is among the hardest-hit states, with at least 20% of kids under 6 living where there are no licensed providers. Local Elections: Sweetwater County’s filing deadline brought multiple new faces to Green River and Rock Springs races, plus a crowded GOP primary for Wyoming Secretary of State. ACLU vs. Sheriff’s ICE Role: Cheyenne-area plaintiffs and the ACLU of Wyoming sued Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak, arguing his ICE contracts effectively deputize local law enforcement without proper oversight. Wildfire Readiness: Gov. Gordon’s interagency briefing warns this is a “fire year,” citing drought and heavy wildfire activity in 2025. Mental Health Push: WY We Care launched a Survivors Campaign focused on suicide prevention, featuring Wyoming residents sharing lived experience. Medicaid Spending Watch: New figures show big jumps in Medicaid claims for alcohol and drug abuse treatment in Powell and pathology/lab services in Thermopolis. Energy & Pipelines: South Bow says it needs proof a U.S. presidential permit is “durable” before moving ahead with a partial Keystone XL revival. Internet Safety Fight: AG Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority and protections for children online.

Cheyenne Data Center Fight: Cheyenne City Council voted 8-1 against a proposed one-year moratorium on new data centers, after hours of public comment over electricity, water, noise, and long-term impacts—while opponents argued the city isn’t the right level to halt projects and that state permitting already governs. Voter Access Reminder: AARP Wyoming is urging residents to double-check voter registration ahead of the 2026 Primary, noting Wyoming has about 26,000 fewer votes in May 2026 than in January 2025. Primary Filing Pressure: With Wyoming Primary filing ending Friday (Aug. 18 election), Big Horn County is seeing multiple contested Republican races, including commissioner and sheriff filings. Local Governance & Housing: A stakeholder meeting in Big Horn County focused on affordable starter and workforce housing, including USDA single-family loan options. Law Enforcement Priorities: A Laramie County sheriff candidate says the current office is too focused on immigration enforcement and should prioritize property crimes. Energy/Trade Watch: Canada’s South Bow says it needs a “durable” U.S. presidential permit before moving ahead with a partial Keystone XL revival tied to Wyoming. Internet Safety Deadline: FCC rules keep rolling in June, including Wyoming-involved EEO public file report deadlines for broadcasters.

U.S. Senate Race: Jim Byrd, a Wyoming Democrat, lays out his priorities for the open-seat race and criticizes the early GOP framing of Harriet Hageman as the presumptive opponent. Immigration & Local Control: The ACLU of Wyoming sues the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office over alleged unlawful 287(g) ICE agreements, arguing the sheriff bypassed required public and commissioner oversight. Courts: The Wyoming Supreme Court sides with KHOL in a $219,000 loan dispute, finding no enforceable repayment agreement because the alleged loans weren’t formalized in writing or approved by the station’s board. Energy & Critical Minerals: A federal DOE grant program awards major funding tied to Wyoming’s role in magnesium metal production, part of a broader push to build domestic critical-minerals supply chains. Elections Filing: With the May 29 filing deadline near, more candidates are lining up for 2026 local races, including Albany County Commission and Laramie City Council. Public Safety & Mental Health: Gov. Mark Gordon launches the WY We Care Survivors campaign, featuring suicide survivor stories and a push to connect people to help. Local Governance: Cheyenne City Council rejects a proposed one-year data center moratorium after hours of public comment.

Public Safety & Wildlife: Yellowstone and Grand Teton officials are pushing education and “bear jam” behavior changes as grizzly numbers rise and human-bear conflicts stay a top concern. Local Governance: Cheyenne City Council rejected a one-year moratorium on new data centers after hours of public comment, with residents citing water and property-value worries while others warned of investment chill. Elections & Courts: The Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to let states purge voter rolls for noncitizens close to elections, a move voting-rights groups say could disenfranchise Americans. Internet Policy: Wyoming-adjacent AG activity is heating up nationwide as multiple states oppose the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority and leave child safety to Big Tech. Wyoming Justice: Sweetwater County’s former clerk Becky Hadlock reached a plea deal to avoid prison time in election violations. Law Enforcement: Billings police are searching for a missing 77-year-old man with late-onset Alzheimer’s. State Politics: Wyoming lawmakers’ election-security work continues as a committee reviews failed election bills and drafts new requests.

Wyoming Campaign Watch: Megan Degenfelder, Wyoming’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, is officially running for governor, pitching her record and private-sector background as she makes the case for why she should lead the state. Wildfire Readiness: Gov. Mark Gordon is set to host a statewide Wildland Fire Interagency Briefing Thursday in Cheyenne, aiming to get residents and partners ready for the season. Cheyenne Local Politics: Cheyenne voters will weigh a renewed “6th Penny” sales tax in August 2026, with a major focus on downtown upgrades plus broader infrastructure, safety, and recreation projects. Data Centers, Public Info Push: Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins says the city will publish maps and FAQs on data center campuses and hold a public meeting to answer questions earlier in the process. Kids Online Safety Fight: Wyoming AG Brown joined a bipartisan push against the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state protections for children online. National Legal/Policy Noise: A New York lawsuit seeks ownership of 39,069 dormant Bitcoin wallets, while Montana moves to adopt Trump Medicaid work rules amid budget strain. Community Notes: Rotary’s “Epic Day of Service” proclamation was signed at the Wyoming Capitol, and local schools are offering free summer meals.

Memorial Day momentum: Wyoming’s civic calendar is packed with remembrance and community turnout, from flag-planting and cemetery ceremonies to local parades and welcome events—this week’s Cheyenne Fort Phil Kearny gathering leaned hard into shared history and public participation. Courts & accountability: Across the country, judges are increasingly slamming the Justice Department over grand jury misconduct, while Wyoming’s own legal fight over “corner crossing” is still headed to higher courts, with Montana lawmakers saying the practice isn’t legal there. Energy & costs: Gas prices are easing in many places, but the drop may not last if Middle East tensions sour—Wyoming-area reporting shows a mix of lower and still-high diesel/premium prices. Kids online: Wyoming’s AG is part of a broader push against federal preemption of child-safety rules online, with new investigations targeting major platforms. Local life: Wyoming also saw more community-building stories—volunteers, youth events, and even a new downtown gym opening with a fresh take on workouts.