Wyoming’s House District 33 race, encompassing the Wind River Indian Reservation, has gained statewide attention as it may influence the balance of power in the state legislature, Wyo File reports.
Democrat Ivan Posey, a member of the Eastern Shoshone tribe and former tribal leader, is challenging incumbent Republican Sarah Penn in a contest that has brought new voters and issues into the spotlight.
Posey’s campaign has drawn significant support from Native American communities, many of whom view his election as an opportunity for greater representation. Supporters, like Desirae Sylvia, who joined a community rally in Posey’s favor, emphasize the importance of having an Indigenous voice in state government. Posey, who would be Wyoming’s only Indigenous legislator if elected, advocates for a balanced approach to tribal and non-tribal interests and has energized Democratic-leaning voters on and off the reservation.
On the other hand, incumbent Sarah Penn, who began her term in 2023, is known for her small-government views and close alignment with the Wyoming Freedom Caucus. An advocate for conservative principles, Penn has been active in legislative efforts emphasizing personal freedom and government transparency, and she often refers to the US Constitution in her policy positions. She remains a favored candidate among Wyoming Republicans who support the Freedom Caucus.
The candidates’ approaches vary sharply on issues critical to the district. Penn, who cites her family’s deep ties to the reservation through her husband’s teaching and her children’s schooling, opposes Medicaid expansion, favors limited government, and questions the necessity of government-funded early childhood education. She has championed legislation on topics like educational transparency and medical freedom, though these measures have faced challenges in the Legislature.
Posey, meanwhile, has emphasized cooperation and community welfare, supporting Medicaid expansion and early childhood programs. A veteran and a longtime tribal leader, Posey has been cautious about election security issues, noting Wyoming’s low incidence of voter fraud. He has also advocated for mental health resources and has expressed a desire to reduce divisiveness in state government, encouraging collaboration across ideological lines.
With past elections in District 33 seeing relatively low voter turnout, both candidates are mobilizing in distinct ways. Posey’s campaign has organized family-oriented events, such as a Halloween masquerade party, to engage younger tribal members and encourage voter turnout on the reservation. Community-led efforts, such as ride-sharing to polls and pro-voting events, have also boosted his visibility and support among first-time voters.
Penn has opted for more traditional campaigning, such as door-to-door visits in rural areas. She has pointed to these grassroots efforts as a reflection of her belief in meeting constituents “where they are,” underscoring her connection to both tribal and non-tribal voters in the district.
House District 33, which includes parts of the Wind River Reservation and nearby non-tribal communities, has shifted between Democratic and Republican control in recent years, reflecting the region’s diverse political landscape. Observers say that the outcome could impact Wyoming’s legislative balance, particularly in the rivalry between the Freedom Caucus and the more traditional Wyoming Caucus, influencing key decisions on state-level policies for years to come.
