Key Takeaways
- Harriet Hageman, Wyoming’s Republican representative to the U.S. House, is running for Senate after U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis announced she won’t seek reelection next year.
- Hageman’s decision to run for Senate is driven by her desire to serve Wyoming and protect it from bad policy, particularly government agency overreach and policies against fossil fuels.
- Hageman has been endorsed by Wyoming school’s chief Megan Degenfelder and hopes to pursue President Donald Trump’s "America-first agenda" in the Senate.
- Her declaration could open a political landscape in Wyoming, with several potential statewide office contenders waiting to see what she does.
- Hageman’s priorities include the passage of "Connor’s Law," defending landowners and working-class people, and protecting Wyoming’s water infrastructure and highway system.
Introduction to Harriet Hageman’s Senate Bid
Harriet Hageman, Wyoming’s Republican representative to the U.S. House, has announced her bid for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Cynthia Lummis, who has decided not to seek reelection next year. Hageman, 63, told Cowboy State Daily that her decision to run for Senate is driven by her desire to serve Wyoming and protect it from bad policy. She believes that the Senate is the best place for her to make a positive impact, given the significant influence the upper congressional chamber has on the state’s interests.
Hageman’s Priorities and Inspiration
Hageman’s priorities include defending landowners, working-class people, business owners, educators, and communities from adversarial federal government maneuvers. She also hopes to help the state protect and maintain its water infrastructure, highway system, and housing. Hageman is inspired by Lummis, who she believes has been a strong leader in the Senate, and she hopes to build on Lummis’s legacy. With her experience in the House and her prior career as an attorney, Hageman believes she can hit the ground running and make a positive impact in the Senate.
The Trump Factor
Hageman has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, who she describes as a "strong warrior." She hopes to pursue Trump’s "America-first agenda" in the Senate, which includes policies such as "Connor’s Law," which would require commercial vehicle drivers to be proficient in reading and speaking the English language. Hageman believes that this policy is essential for public safety, citing recent fatal truck collisions where truckers’ English proficiency was at issue.
Hageman’s Experience and Qualifications
Hageman has two terms of experience in the House, where she has served on the House Judiciary and Natural Resources committees. She has also worked as an attorney and has experience with the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. Hageman believes that her experience and qualifications make her an ideal candidate for the Senate, where she can leverage her knowledge and expertise to benefit Wyoming.
The Political Landscape in Wyoming
Hageman’s declaration could open a political landscape in Wyoming, with several potential statewide office contenders waiting to see what she does. Secretary of State Chuck Gray has said that he does not want to run against Hageman, while House Speaker Chip Neiman has indicated that his decision to run for governor depends on Hageman’s plans. Other potential candidates, including former House Speaker and state Sen. Eric Barlow, Casper businessman Reid Rasner, and Senate President Bo Biteman, are also waiting to see how the landscape unfolds.
Endorsements and Support
Hageman has received her first endorsement from Wyoming school’s chief Megan Degenfelder, who praised Hageman’s commitment to representing Wyoming’s interests. Hageman hopes to receive Trump’s endorsement again, which she believes would be significant in her bid for the Senate. With her experience, qualifications, and support, Hageman is confident that she can make a positive impact in the Senate and serve Wyoming’s interests.
