Freshman Wyoming Senator Tapped by Trump for US Attorney Role

“When the President asks you to do something – you don’t say no.”

That’s how state Sen. Darin Smith, a Republican from Platte and Laramie counties, responded to the news that he’s President Donald Trump’s pick to become the next US Attorney for the District of Wyoming, the Sheridan Press reports.

Smith, just months into his first term in the Wyoming Legislature, was caught off guard by the announcement — but said he’s ready to step into the top federal law enforcement role in the state, pending confirmation by the US Senate.

If confirmed, Smith would replace interim US Attorney Eric Heimann and oversee all federal prosecutions in Wyoming, including cases on the Wind River Reservation and in national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

Smith is no stranger to Trump-world. He unseated former Sen. Anthony Bouchard in the 2024 Republican primary after landing an endorsement from Trump. That political boost helped Smith secure his Senate seat representing southern Platte and northern Laramie counties just this past November.

Now, less than a year later, he’s in line for one of the most powerful legal positions in the state.

“I will uphold the rule of law and ensure that Wyoming’s values are defended,” Smith said in a statement.

He added that he plans to prioritize violent crime, illegal immigration, and foreign threats — especially calling out Chinese ownership of US land and businesses.

He also pledged transparency when it comes to tribal law enforcement and said he wouldn’t waste resources on what he called “frivolous prosecution.”

Smith’s nomination drew immediate support from Wyoming’s top Republicans in Congress.

Rep. Harriet Hageman said she trusts Smith “will uphold the rule of law, defend Wyoming values, and work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.”

Sen. John Barrasso called the pick “solid” and “conservative,” praising Smith’s background in law and his experience in the state Senate.

And Sen. Cynthia Lummis said Smith “possesses the qualifications, experience, and values needed to take on this challenging role.”

All three pledged to move his confirmation forward in the US Senate as quickly as possible.

Smith, who earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Wyoming, has practiced law for more than two decades. He founded the Smith Group Law Office in 2000 and has led the firm ever since. He’s also worked in conservative advocacy, including a role with the Family Research Council.

If the Senate confirms him, Smith would have to resign from the Wyoming Legislature — triggering a political shuffle in Senate District 6. Under state law, the local GOP central committee would have 15 days to nominate three candidates. Then, Gov. Mark Gordon would pick one to serve out the remainder of the term, which runs through January 2029.

In the meantime, Smith is preparing for his Senate confirmation hearing, where he’ll be grilled on everything from criminal justice priorities to how he plans to handle complex legal issues on federal lands and tribal territories.

But one thing’s clear: Trump’s latest Wyoming pick isn’t shy about stepping up.

“When the President calls,” Smith said, “you answer.”