Wyoming Freedom Caucus Unveils Bold Legislative Agenda Grounded in ‘Godly Principles’
With the 2025 general session of the Wyoming Legislature fast approaching, the Wyoming Freedom Caucus is preparing to usher in a new era of governance, Wyo File reports.
The group, which has gained control of the House following the 2024 elections, presented its vision for the upcoming session during a press conference at the Wyoming Capitol on January 7.
The Freedom Caucus, a group of hard-line Republicans that has historically positioned itself in opposition to Wyoming’s conservative establishment, is now poised to lead with a legislative agenda they describe as bold and rooted in “godly principles.” For years, the caucus has criticized what it views as a growing government that does not serve the everyday people of Wyoming.
Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams (R-Cody), chairwoman of the Freedom Caucus, addressed the press conference with a strong message about the group’s mission.
“For far too long, the people in charge of this building have ignored the everyday man and woman throughout the state,” she stated.
Rodriguez-Williams vowed to put an end to what she described as ineffective governance.
“Those days are over,” she declared.
This statement signaled a shift in the political landscape as the caucus assumes a leadership role.
As House Speaker-elect, Rep. Chip Neiman (R-Hulett) emphasized the importance of unity as the legislature moves forward.
“We’ve got to work together,” Neiman said.
He acknowledged that success in the House would require cooperation with the governor’s office and the Senate. Despite this call for collaboration, Neiman underscored that the caucus was prepared to push forward with bold policies that may not have had the chance to be considered in previous legislative sessions.
The Freedom Caucus outlined its legislative priorities in the form of the “Five and Dime Plan,” which aims to introduce five key bills within the first 10 days of the session. These bills include proposed measures to restrict voter registration, prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in higher education, and bring back a property tax relief bill previously vetoed by Governor Mark Gordon. The group has also put forward a proposal to ban state investments in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) funds, and invalidate driver’s licenses issued to unauthorized immigrants by other states.
In addition to these five key bills, Rep. Jeremy Haroldson (R-Wheatland) revealed a broader agenda, referred to as the “2020 vision.” This would consist of 15 additional bills aimed at repealing gun-free zones, advancing universal school choice, and ensuring protections for women’s spaces.
The caucus has repeatedly framed the 2024 election results as a mandate from the voters, signaling the need for significant changes. Governor Gordon, while acknowledging that the caucus connected with certain segments of the population, expressed reservations about the mandate given the low voter turnout in the 2024 primary. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic about working with the newly empowered Legislature.
Rodriguez-Williams and other caucus members also made clear that their legislative priorities are underpinned by strong moral and religious values. Rep. Jeremy Haroldson, a pastor, declared that the new Legislature would govern according to the “godly principles” on which the nation was founded, a message that resonated with some of those present.
As the legislative session draws nearer, the Freedom Caucus is positioning itself to pursue an ambitious and contentious agenda, with the ultimate goal of advancing what they describe as policies that reflect the will of the people. The session begins on January 14, and the state will be watching closely to see how these bold proposals take shape in the coming weeks.
