Wyoming Political History & Voting Patterns
R-leaning since 1952; most Republican state since 1990s. A complete guide to how Wyoming has voted in presidential elections, which coalitions have driven results, and how the state has shifted over time.
Historical Overview
Wyoming is America’s least populous state and its most Republican. Trump wins by 43-44 points — margins that make even other red states look swing. Wyoming’s political culture is defined by ranching, oil and gas, coal mining, and a fierce anti-federal land sentiment (the federal government owns ~50% of Wyoming’s land). Liz Cheney, daughter of former VP Dick Cheney, represented Wyoming for three terms before voting to impeach Trump and losing her 2022 primary by 38 points. Her defeat by Harriet Hageman, a Trump-endorsed attorney, ended the Cheney political dynasty in Wyoming and sent a message about the consequences of anti-Trump positions in safe Republican states.
Key Elections & Turning Points
| Year | Significance |
|---|---|
| 1964 | LBJ narrowly won WY |
| 1988 | Bush won 61% — pattern established |
| 2020 | Trump +43 — his second biggest margin |
| 2022 | Liz Cheney lost primary by 38 points after Trump impeachment vote |
| 2024 | Trump +44 |
Geographic Voting Patterns
Democratic Strongholds
Teton County (Jackson Hole, D+30 — wealthy resort town, unique in WY)
Republican Strongholds
All other 22 counties; Laramie County (Cheyenne) and Natrona County (Casper) are R+30+
Realignment Driver
Primary factor: Energy industry dominance, anti-federal land sentiment, ranching culture, Cheney era ended