Leading up to General Election 2026

via Wyoming News Exchange

The Thermopolis Independent Record will be running candidate information throughout October leading up to the 2026 Wyoming General Election, November 3. Information will come from a variety of sources, including the Wyoming News Exchange. The Wyoming News exchange allows papers throughout Wyoming to share stories through a paid subscription.

Note: The Northern Wyoming News emailed questionnaires to both U.S. Senate candidates: current U. S. Rep. Harriet Hageman (Republican) and former state legislator James Byrd (Democrat), both of Cheyenne. They did not receive a response from Hageman by press time. Below are Byrd’s answers to the questionnaire: 

James Byrd - Democrat

Why are you running for the U.S. Senate?

I am running for the U.S. Senate because Washington is failing to represent the everyday people of Wyoming. The current delegation focuses on Beltway interests, corporate boardrooms and out-of-touch party agendas rather than the hard-working families in our state. The final straw for me was seeing federal proposals to sell off public lands and repeal conservation rules like the 2001 Roadless Rule. Having served a decade in the Wyoming Legislature, I am running as a pragmatic, center-right moderate to bring practical solutions, accountability, and real representation back to Congress.

When making difficult policy decisions, whose interests will carry the greatest weight for you? Please explain.

The interests of everyday Wyomingites — our working families, ranchers, outdoor enthusiasts, and small business owners — will always come first. Policy decisions should not be dictated by special interest groups, corporate monopolies or party bosses. When weighing tough decisions, I focus on local impact: whether a policy lowers the cost of living, protects our natural resources, supports our energy workers, or strengthens our rural communities.

How would you approach bipartisan cooperation?

Bipartisanship requires prioritizing results over party dogma. Growing up and serving in public office in Wyoming, I naturally lean center-right and believe in a pragmatic approach to governance. Bipartisan cooperation means finding common ground on shared goals — such as capping prescription drug costs, banning unethical insider trading by members of Congress,

investing in nuclear and grid innovation, and securing our borders. I will work with anyone, regardless of party, who is willing to deliver practical solutions for the people.

Where do you draw the line between federal authority and state sovereignty, and what role should a U.S. senator play in protecting Wyoming from federal overreach?

The Constitution establishes co-equal branches of government and reserves broad powers to the states, yet Congress has continuously abdicated its authority to an unchecked executive branch. A U.S. senator must act as a check on executive overreach, restoring constitutional balance rather than acting as a rubber stamp. At the same time, protecting state sovereignty requires ensuring federal agencies act as good neighbors—especially given that nearly half of Wyoming’s land is federally managed. I strongly oppose efforts to sell off or privatize public lands, which would harm our agricultural heritage, legacy ranches and outdoor economy.

What do you believe is the most significant issue facing our country today, and what specific actions would you take as a member of Congress to address it?

The most significant issue facing our country is kitchen-table affordability and economic strain driven by unchecked government spending, broken corporate systems, and inflation. High costs for housing, groceries, fuel, and healthcare are putting an immense burden on working families. To address this as a senator, I would take the following actions:

Lower Healthcare & Drug Costs: Hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for price-gouging and reform the broken health insurance market to protect rural healthcare options.

Protect Public Lands & Outdoor Economy: Defend public access to public lands, stop federal land sell-offs, and protect our tourism and agricultural heritage.

Support Energy Innovation: Protect traditional energy workers while reinvesting energy revenues into next-generation energy research, nuclear technology, and workforce education.

Restore Congressional Accountability: Support term limits, ban insider stock trading for members of Congress, and use the power of the purse to demand full budget audits before funding executive programs.