Wyoming Freedom Caucus Keeps State Director After Heavy Primary Losses

The State Freedom Caucus Network continues to pay for a state director in Wyoming even after the group suffered major losses in this year's primary election, SFCN president Andy Roth said on Monday.

The Wyoming Freedom Caucus, a populist-right faction of the Republican Party, took control of the state House in 2024. That momentum stalled in the 2026 primaries. House members who sought seats in the state Senate, treasurer, and secretary of state all lost their bids. Most WFC members in House leadership were also ousted, along with numerous other caucus-aligned representatives.

Despite these setbacks, the national organization is keeping Jessie Rubino as its director for the Wyoming entity. Rubino is also the wife of Joe Rubino, the in-house counsel for Secretary of State Chuck Gray. Gray recently won his election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Roth told Cowboy State Daily in a phone interview that there are no plans to let Rubino go. "She’s still with us and we have no plans on letting her go," Roth said. He explained that her role is to support the Wyoming Freedom Caucus and other conservatives in the Legislature. Rubino did not return a text message request for comment before publication.

Roth noted that the national network does not have a fixed rule for which state houses merit a director. The decision depends on the specific circumstances and the members involved in each state. "We love the members of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, and we’ll continue to help them in any way they can," he said.

The caucus posted a statement to social media two days after the general election. The group acknowledged the new Democratic majority in Congress while congratulating Gray and U.S. Sen.-elect Harriet Hageman. The statement declared that in 2027, their priorities will remain the same. It described the group as fewer in number but strong in their resolve to fight for Wyoming.

Jeremy Haroldson, R-Wheatland, remains in House leadership after no opponent challenged him in the primary. He is currently running for majority floor leader in the upcoming GOP leadership elections. Other remaining WFC members in the House include Rep. Pepper Ottman of Riverton, Tomi Strock of Douglas, Chris Knapp of Gillette, and Bill Allemand of Midwest. Not all caucus members have disclosed their affiliation, so that list may not be exhaustive.