Wyoming’s U.S. House Race Draws Ten Republicans as Trump Endorsement Looms Large
Why It Matters
Wyoming’s lone U.S. House seat is shaping up to be one of the most competitive — and potentially most expensive — congressional races in state history. With ten Republicans already in the primary field and a Democrat now in the mix, Wyoming voters face a consequential choice about who will represent them in Washington.
The race carries significant stakes for a state that has been a stronghold of conservative politics, and the eventual winner will play a role in shaping federal policy on public lands, immigration, and the economy — issues that directly affect Wyoming families and businesses.
What Happened
What began as a six-candidate Republican primary earlier this year has since grown to ten contenders, with four additional Republicans joining the race in recent weeks. Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray, who announced his congressional bid last December, remains one of the most visible candidates, running continuous television advertisements across the state.
On April 2, Steve Friess — son of the late GOP donor and philanthropist Foster Friess — formally entered the race. The elder Friess finished second to Mark Gordon in the 2018 Republican gubernatorial primary before his death in 2021. Steve Friess has described his political philosophy as “pro-Trump, pro-gun, pro-liberty, and pro-opportunity,” and has pointed to his involvement in the early Tea Party movement and in helping launch Turning Point USA.
Other notable candidates include Reid Rasner, who has also been running television ads, along with Frank Chapman of Moran, Matt McGinniss of Pinedale, and John Romero-Martinez of Cheyenne.
On the Democratic side, former state Senator Lisa Kinney of Laramie has entered the race. Kinney has said she wants to address federal overreach on Wyoming public lands, reform Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and uphold the U.S. Constitution and rule of law. She may face the general election without a primary challenger.
By the Numbers
- 10 Republican candidates currently in the primary field
- $560,000 — the largest personal loan to a campaign so far, made by Frank Chapman of Moran
- $500,000 — the amount Secretary of State Chuck Gray has loaned his own campaign
- $208,500 — the personal loan Reid Rasner made to his own campaign
- 2021 — the last time Trump’s endorsement reshaped this race, when several candidates stepped aside after Trump backed Harriet Hageman to challenge then-Rep. Liz Cheney
Zoom Out
The Wyoming race reflects a broader national dynamic in Republican primaries: candidates are competing intensely for the endorsement of President Donald Trump, whose backing has proven decisive in past GOP contests across the Mountain West. Trump previously endorsed both Gray and State Senate President Bo Biteman in their current positions, and he also endorsed Foster Friess in his 2018 gubernatorial run.
Despite that history, Trump has not yet weighed in on the 2026 House race. His decision — or lack thereof — could significantly reshape the field. Several lesser-known candidates may exit the race if they are unable to gain traction in name recognition or fundraising before the primary.
The race also comes as Wyoming voters continue to grapple with election integrity questions following recent felony charges against a county clerk for allegedly falsifying 2024 election documents — an issue that adds heightened scrutiny to electoral processes statewide.
Separately, policy debates over Wyoming’s energy future and government spending continue to shape the political landscape, including recent decisions about the direction of the state’s electric utility and long-term energy planning.
What’s Next
With the primary still roughly four months away, the field could continue to evolve. Some of the lesser-known candidates are expected to drop out due to limited fundraising and low name recognition. The race for Trump’s endorsement will likely intensify, as candidates work to demonstrate their alignment with the president’s agenda.
Lisa Kinney is expected to advance as the Democratic nominee to face whichever Republican emerges from the primary, setting up what could be a high-profile general election contest for Wyoming’s sole congressional seat.
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