WYOMING — As the saga continues to play out of politicians accepting campaign checks in Cheyenne, Gov. Mark Gordon has stepped in to address the issue by doing what his position allows: signing an executive order.
On Tuesday, Feb. 17, Gordon signed Executive Order 2026-01, which targets campaign contributions on state property. The order forbids the “solicitation, delivery, or acceptance of campaign donations while in a state facility, which includes all offices and common areas located in state facilities that are either owned or leased by the State of Wyoming.”
Last week, Teton County GOP member Rebecca Bextel reportedly hand-delivered campaign checks to various state representatives on the House floor after the legislative session had ended for the day. Two days later, elected officials were set to vote on a bill regarding housing mitigation fees — an issue Bextel has been vocal about. On Saturday, the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office announced on Facebook that it was launching a criminal investigation into “alleged bribery” and reports of checks being distributed on the House floor. WyoFile reported on Tuesday that a House Special Investigative Committee has paused its probe of the incident while the Sheriff’s Office conducts its analysis.
Gordon’s new law regarding campaign donations applies to spaces including the Wyoming State Capitol and Capitol Complex. Though, it does not apply to the areas of the Capitol that are legally managed by the legislative or judicial branches, such as committee rooms and the Senate and House Chambers.
“Our Capitol belongs to the people of Wyoming, and even the appearance of inappropriateness should never be ignored,” Gordon said in a news release on Tuesday. “I, like most Wyomingites, believe the House and Senate floors are hallowed places for doing the People’s business, and should never serve as a campaign headquarters. Legislators should not be put in the position of being personally approached by lobbyists, activists or others with campaign contributions during the legislative session or when they are working.”
The executive order takes effect immediately and will remain in effect until Gordon can bring it before the State Building Commission, where it could begin the process of becoming permanent law with a majority vote.
The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office stated that it will investigate criminal conduct within the county to the full extent of its jurisdiction, coordinating with other partners where its authority ends.
“Our community deserves full transparency, and alleged criminal conduct involving our lawmakers deserves no less than a thorough investigation,” Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak said via statement.
