Three rematches set, so far, in Wyoming’s House races

At least three rematches in the Wyoming House of Representatives have surfaced so far this campaign season, and one more looks likely. In deep-red Wyoming, the notable rematches feature Republicans and other Republicans. The three known rematches are between Rep. Landon Brown, R-Cheyenne, and his 2024 GOP challenger Exie Brown; Rep. Julie Jarvis, R-Casper, and former Rep. Jeanette Ward; and Rep. Kevin Campbell, R-Glenrock, and 2024 GOP hopeful Edis Allen. Ward and Exie Brown both sat as frequent spectators in the third-floor gallery of the House during this year’s legislative session, while Jarvis and Landon Brown worked on legislation below them.

Incumbent Campbell won the 2024 primary election in House District 62 by six votes over Allen. Allen said he’s ready to spar once again. “Neither Kevin nor myself had run for office before in 2024,” Allen said. “Running for this seat is not unlike running for two House seats. But I’m getting the hang of it.” Campbell said he believes his 2024 race against Allen was gentlemanly. “I like Edis,” said Campbell. “I look forward to the challenge.” Both men said they are not members of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus.

Incumbent Landon Brown defeated Exie Brown by 17 votes in the 2024 Republican primary for their Cheyenne-based House District 9. Landon Brown declared what he called his final House run, saying he may run for a leadership position as well. He cast his race this year as an effort to curb the forays of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, describing Freedom Caucus-driven proposals to cut the University of Wyoming by $40 million and defund the Wyoming Business Council as “big, boisterous moves” without proper planning. Exie Brown said his chances this time are “very good” considering the narrow split in 2024, adding that he’s running on protecting legacy industries, fighting “green energy scams,” and pursuing property tax reform.

Former Rep. Jeanette Ward lost her Casper-based House District 57 seat to Julie Jarvis in 2024. Ward is back for round two. “I am running again because the people of HD57 are conservative: pro-life, pro-freedom, pro-2nd Amendment, and pro-family, and they deserve representation that reflects that,” Ward said. She accused Jarvis of misrepresenting herself to voters. Jarvis countered, pointing to constituent surveys that inform her decision-making. “I kept my word,” Jarvis said. “I voted the way my constituents asked me.” Another rematch may be brewing in House District 35, where GOP candidate Christopher Dresang announced he’s running against Rep. Tony Locke, who won by 137 votes in 2024. Locke has not yet confirmed if he’s running again. Former Rep. Tony Niemiec said he hasn’t decided whether to challenge Rep. Marlene Brady, who ousted him in 2024. Former Rep. Jon Conrad gave “no comment” on a potential rematch with Rep. Joe Webb, while former Rep. Dan Zwonitzer gave a hard no, saying he’s already supporting another candidate. In the Senate, former Sen. RJ Kost announced he’s running again after losing to Sen. Dan Laursen in 2022.