Wyoming’s Secretary of State office is currently evaluating a series of election‑law complaints filed by State Representative Mike Yin concerning contributions to three gubernatorial campaigns. Yin alleges that the Constitution Party’s Rebecca Bextel, Republican Brent Bien and Republican Megan Degenfelder each reported donations that surpass the state‑mandated $2,500 limit for an individual donor per election.

Legal limits and the complaints

Wyoming law caps individual contributions – including in‑kind services – at $2,500 for each statewide candidate per election. The primary and general elections are treated as separate contests, meaning donors could give up to $2,500 for each phase. Yin’s complaints assert that the three candidates filed finance reports showing contributions that exceed this threshold.

For Bextel, whose general‑election campaign is still active, Yin requests that any excess funds be returned and the report corrected before voting concludes. For Bien and Degenfelder, whose primary races have ended, Yin asks that the largest over‑limit entries be referred to Attorney General Karl Allred for possible penalties.

Responses from the candidates and officials

Secretary of State Chuck Gray confirmed receipt of the complaints and said his office is reviewing them under Wyoming law. “Election integrity is the core mission of my office,” Gray stated, adding that the agency will decide whether the matters should be forwarded to the Attorney General.

Degenfelder denied wrongdoing, while Bien said he is reviewing his campaign finances and suspects duplicate entries in the state’s reporting system. Bextel has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Specific contributions under scrutiny

The complaints cite several contributions that appear to exceed the legal limit. According to Bextel’s filing, Susan Gore of Cheyenne contributed $4,000 across four donations, and John Warren of Cordova, Alabama gave $3,000 across six donations. Warren, who is Bextel’s father, believed Wyoming law does not restrict immediate family contributions – a misunderstanding that the complaint highlights.

Bien’s amended primary report lists four donations from Wheatland resident Jill Kaufman totaling $6,700, as well as an in‑kind contribution of $1,800 for campaign services. Another Wheatland donor, Mark Kaufman, contributed $2,000 and an additional $2,500 in‑kind for the same services. Additional donors named in the complaints include retired physician Richard Sugden, Albany County GOP committeeman Jerry Gruber, Gillette resident Wanda Lieneman, former House candidate Don Odom, Rock Springs businessman Ron Smart, and Hot Springs County commissioner Bob Aguiar.

Potential duplicate entries and reporting errors

Yin also flagged two entries that may be duplicates: Elena Campbell of Sheridan reportedly gave two identical $700 donations on July 11, and Cheryl Aguiar of Thermopolis allegedly donated $2,500 in 2026 with two $60 in‑kind contributions in 2025. Yin noted that if any entries are duplicates or mis‑attributed spouse gifts, the proper remedy is an amendment to the finance report.

Another issue raised concerns negative cash balances shown in the reports – $18,067.47 after the primary period and $26,209.03 after the general filing – with no loans reported. Yin asks the Secretary of State to clarify how those expenses were covered.

What comes next?

The Secretary of State’s office will determine whether the complaints warrant further action, including possible referral to the Attorney General for enforcement. Wyoming law does not require automatic audits of campaign finance reports; they are typically reviewed only after a formal complaint is filed. Errors and duplicate entries are not uncommon, but the state’s oversight process aims to ensure compliance with contribution limits and transparency for voters.

All parties involved have indicated they are cooperating with the investigation. Bien said his team is working line‑by‑line with the bank to verify each entry, while Degenfelder maintains she acted in good faith. The outcome of the review could set a precedent for how campaign finance reporting is handled in future Wyoming elections.

Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.