Freedom Caucus wins control of Wyo. House

By: 
Maggie Mullen
WyoFile.com

When the Wyoming Legislature convenes in January, a new group of Republicans will be in charge. 

The hard-line Wyoming Freedom Caucus racked up enough wins in Tuesday’s general election to secure a simple majority in the House, wresting control from the traditionalist Republican Wyoming Caucus. In the Senate, conservative allies of the Freedom Caucus retained control of the upper chamber.

With a record-low number of Democrats running for the Legislature this year, the vast majority of statehouse races were decided in August’s primary election. While both Republican factions experienced primary-election upsets, the results largely signaled a shift in the balance of power to the right and a significant loss of institutional knowledge in the Legislature.

By 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Freedom Caucus appeared to have picked up at least six House seats, adding to its primary-election victories for a roster of roughly 34 members and allies in the lower chamber. That’s enough to wield a simple majority in the 62-member House. 

 

The results are considered unofficial until they are certified by the state canvassing board.

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