JACKSON, Wyo. — Election Day is here! Buckrail asked candidates for federal-level positions to speak directly to constituents in Teton County.
On the ballot will be candidates vying to be Wyoming’s sole member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Harriet Hageman is being challenged by Democrat Kyle G. Cameron, Libertarian Richard Brubaker and the Constitution Party’s Jeffrey Haggit.
Neither Brubaker nor Haggit could be reached for comment. Get to know Hageman and Cameron below.
Rep. Harriet Hageman
Hageman was elected in 2022 after a career as an attorney in Cheyenne. Her remarks to Buckrail focused on the federal government’s role in Wyoming’s future.
“I believe the federal footprint is too large in Wyoming,” she said. “We have an abundance of unique and beautiful landscapes that should continue to be protected and will be into the long distance future (our National Parks, Monuments and wilderness areas being front of mind). There are also many areas in the state, however, that can and should be developed responsibly, with the goal to maximize multiple use, including oil and gas development, mining, grazing, recreation, wildlife management and other activities. Wyoming is fully capable of properly and effectively managing these resources. The bureaucratic overreach and mismanagement from Washington, DC has had serious negative consequences for Wyoming and the country.”
She doubled down on that sentiment when asked what she hoped voters would remember about her as they headed out to the polls.
“My role is not to tell my fellow Americans what they can and cannot do and micromanage their activities, but to work to constrain the overarching power of Washington, DC; to push to return to our constitutional framework of separation of powers; to pursue an agenda of federalism and individual freedom; and to ensure that our citizens can continue to pursue the American dream,” she said.
Hageman said she works to represent all Wyomingites, even those who disagree with her.
“When someone calls my office, the only screening question we ask is if you are a Wyoming resident,” she said. “I have worked with Teton County officials to secure millions of dollars in federal funding for hard infrastructure projects that will improve the lives of those in the county.”
The representative said she’s in touch with her constituents in Teton County and that she thinks fondly of the area.
“The beauty of Jackson and the surrounding area is something that stays with you no matter where you go, and there are many times, while sitting in traffic in a large city, that I close my eyes just to envision the mountains, sunrises, sunsets, clouds, wildlife and quiet that are so unique to our state, including in Jackson,” Hageman said.
Kyle G. Cameron
Kyle Cameron, who also goes by “El,” is an activist based in Laramie. Cameron said she’s aware of the reality of running as a progressive Democrat in this historically red state.
“I’m no stranger to disagreements,” Cameron told Buckrail. “I understand that not every conversation ends with an ‘agree to disagree’ resolution. In some cases, when minds are set and no amount of discussion will lead to change, it’s more productive to walk away. However, when there’s an opportunity for common ground and collaboration, it’s essential to have reasonable and rational discussions to find solutions that work for everyone, not just a select few.”
Cameron said her key issues include reproductive freedom, healthcare, workers’ rights, transportation and climate change.
“I will remain steadfast in my advocacy for Wyoming’s people and the conservation of our land,” Cameron said. “While I am open to listening to opposing viewpoints and engaging in respectful conflict, I do not support chaos. My goal is to find practical solutions that benefit all Wyomingites, regardless of political differences.”
The candidate said she wants to include property owners in conversations about how to balance development and conservation in the state, suggesting that devising a “tourist passenger rail” might be feasible.
“While it may not be resolved in two years, I believe it’s important to start the conversation on how we can share Wyoming’s natural beauty with tourists in a way that is both responsible and sustainable, ensuring that we conserve the state’s incredible landscapes for future generations,” she said.
Cameron said she’s made memorable visits to Jackson, valuing the area’s natural beauty. She said she hopes voters remember her love for the state’s lands and people as they head out to cast their ballots.
“I take seriously the responsibility of representing us in the U.S. House of Representatives,” Cameron said. “It’s a role I approach with great honor, resilience and dedication—not only to preserve our great outdoors but also to welcome more people into our state to build communities filled with kindness, familiarity and a sense of home.”
For more information about the 2024 local election, check out Buckrail’s election page.
