The Wyoming Freedom Caucus, which bills itself as the genuine conservative voice of the Republican Party, is seeking to win control of the Senate in the Wyoming Legislature. This possible shift in power will come down to several key races.

Key Races to Watch

Seventeen of the Senate’s 31 districts will be on the ballot this year. To gain a majority in the upper chamber, the caucus needs to win at least 14 of those races to bolster the two Senators it endorsed in 2024 — Sens. Tim French, R-Cody, and Laura Pearson, R-Kemmerer.

The caucus may face challenges due to a controversy known as Checkgate, involving the delivery of campaign donations on the House floor, which is currently under criminal investigation. Despite this, the caucus is pushing forward with its goals, including expanding school choice in Wyoming.

Caucus Allies and Opponents

Several incumbent senators are not up for reelection who are neither caucus allies nor members. These lawmakers include Sens. Jim Anderson, R-Casper; Ed Cooper, R-Ten Sleep; Barry Crago, R-Cheyenne; Gary Crum, R-Laramie, and Tara Nethercott, R-Cheyenne.

Meanwhile, some caucus members and allies are leaving the House to pursue Senate seats. These include Reps. Abby Angelos of Gillette, Paul Hoeft of Powell, Ken Pendergraft of Sheridan, and Daniel Singh of Cheyenne.

The outcome of these races will determine the direction of the state and the balance of power in the Wyoming Legislature.

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