Since my first interactions with the Wyoming Legislature in 2022, I’ve watched it transform into something I barely recognize — a political circus far removed from the everyday lives of Wyomingites like me. Instead of addressing the issues that matter to our state, many of our elected officials seem more interested in national political narratives, driven by social media and the allure of sound bites over substance. This obsession with outside issues has turned Wyoming politics into a performance, where fear-mongering is used as campaign fodder, distracting from the real work we need to do for our state.
Opinion
Wyoming has always been my home. I was born and raised here, living in Rock Springs, Green River, Rawlins, Douglas, Laramie and now Cheyenne. Each of these cities holds a piece of my heart, filled with memories of community, safety and a deep love for this beautiful state. But as I’ve traveled back to these places this summer, I’ve been struck by a heartbreaking realization — the Wyoming I grew up in, the Wyoming I’ve always cherished, is slipping away. The sense of community that once bound us together feels fractured, almost unrecognizable. Friends I’ve known since childhood have left, driven away by a state that no longer reflects their values, leaving behind a void that echoes with loss.
Yet, I stayed. I stayed because Wyoming has always been more than just a place — it’s been my safe haven, a place where I felt I could build a life true to who I am. But now, I find myself grappling with the painful truth that the politics of division and fear have warped our landscape and polluted our discourse. The Wyoming I love, the one that once felt like home, is fading, and it breaks my heart.
This shift is most glaring in the actions of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, which has turned the 2024 election into a disgusting display of smear campaigns and blatant lies. It’s one thing to have a difference of opinion, it’s another to completely disregard truth and decency in pursuit of political power. What’s especially disturbing is the way the Freedom Caucus has targeted fellow Republicans who don’t align with their views. Instead of building unity, or finding substantive policy differences, they barraged us with mailers and media accusing their opponents of everything from child trafficking — a false allegation made against the organization I work for — to being secret communists.
I’m particularly frustrated that the Freedom Caucus demanded a special session earlier this year, wasting taxpayer dollars because they didn’t get the results they wanted, despite the democratic process being properly followed. This wasn’t just a waste of resources; it was a tantrum at the expense of Wyoming citizens. On top of that, many members of the Freedom Caucus have repeatedly broken decorum, both in committee meetings and on the House and Senate floors. I am at a loss to explain this behavior to my younger sister, who wants to know, “is this normal?” No, I reassure her, it’s not normal for elected officials to sneer and deride students who come before them. These actions degrade the integrity of our legislative process and distract from the real issues facing our state.
The irony is that the Freedom Caucus touts Wyoming as “America’s Last Hope.” They claim to defend our state’s values, but their actions tell a different story. Wyoming has always prided itself on being a place where big government stays out of our lives, where personal choices are respected, and where we take care of each other. Yet the Freedom Caucus has strayed far from these principles, pushing an agenda that contradicts the very values they claim to uphold.
Wyoming is America’s last hope, but that hope doesn’t rest in divisive politics or smear campaigns. I can hear the voice of Mrs. Eaton, my first grade teacher at Pershing Elementary in Rawlins, teaching us what the word “indivisible” meant. It meant no force could divide us. She spoke of America’s singular virtue in a way my young mind could capture. She made me believe in our ability to come together, to respect one another’s differences, and to focus on the issues that actually matter to our state. If we truly want to keep Wyoming great, we must return to our traditional values — values that prioritize integrity, honesty and community over political grandstanding.
I’m disappointed in what the Wyoming Legislature has become, but I haven’t lost hope. I believe in Wyoming. I believe in its people. And I believe that if we can move past this circus, we can make our state a better place for all of us.
As we move forward, I sincerely hope that the people of Wyoming remember who we truly are. We are neighborly, friendly and kind. We believe in living and letting live, in respecting one another’s differences while standing united by the values that have always made Wyoming great.
When it comes time to vote, I urge you to choose leaders who represent these qualities, who embody the spirit of Wyoming and who are committed to keeping our state a place where everyone can thrive. I’ll be voting this November — even if it’s cold that day, even if I’m busy or tired — because I believe I can make a difference. I hope to see you at the polls because together, we can reclaim the beautiful Wyoming that’s slipping away.
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