Common Sense Conservatism Works for Wyoming

Senators Larry Hicks, Cheri Steinmetz and Brian Boner
September 18, 2024

Ronald Regan proved that the Republican brand of common-sense conservatism works for America. He stated “We are a nation that has a government—not the other way around. And this makes us special among the nations of the Earth. Our government has no power except that granted it by the people. It is time to check and reverse the growth of government which shows signs of having grown beyond the consent of the governed.”  (Ronald Reagan 1981) Because of their shared commitment to these Republican ideals, three Wyoming Senators are announcing today their intent to pursue key leadership positions in the Wyoming Senate for the 68th Legislature. Senator Larry Hicks is running for President, Senator Brian Boner is running for Majority Floor Leader and Senator Cheri Steinmetz is running for Vice President. They are issuing the following joint statement announcing their candidacies and their mutual support of one another.  

“We are focused and motivated to move forward with a conservative agenda for Wyoming on behalf of our citizens. Collectively we have over 34 years of experience in the Wyoming legislature with significant experience in every aspect of the legislature. As the Wyoming House of Representatives changes to better reflect the values of the people of Wyoming, the Senate retains a solid conservative majority. There is no time to waste as we work to restore a fiscally conservative budget, address property tax reforms, improve K-12 education as well as enhance school choice, second amendment rights and protections for the unborn. We will not waste this rare opportunity given to us by Wyoming citizens that have placed trust in conservatives to govern in both the House and Senate. For this reason, as common-sense conservative leaders in the Senate with a successful track record on the issues critically important to the people of Wyoming, we offer our service and experience to govern the state. 

As a conservative Republican  leadership team, we fully intend to engage and broaden the scope of participation in moving a common-sense agenda forward which reflects the timeless principles of the Republican Party and accountability to the citizens of Wyoming. In consultation with the incoming House leadership, we intend to invite members of the Wyoming Republican Party back to our pre-legislative republican caucus meetings. We will also rely on many talented senators to further conservative legislation and policy. 

Just to mention a few, we fully expect that Senator Dan Dockstader will play a critical role in shaping and pursuing energy policy which advances and protects Wyoming’s energy industries. Senator Bo Biteman has been a stalwart and a key leader in property tax reform. Senator Tim French, with his strong background as a long-term county commissioner and lifetime irrigated farmer from Park County, will play a critical role guiding agriculture and water related policies for the legislature. As our senior most statesmen, Senator Charles Scott will continue championing structural improvements to our education system. Senator John Kolb, with his strong background as a fiscal conservative and experience running a fiscally responsible county budget, will play a significant role in developing the budget for Wyoming. Our approach to leadership is all hands-on-deck, it is time to roll up our sleeves and get to work for the people of Wyoming.

Senator Hicks made the following statement: “To borrow a famous quote “If not now, then when?” In my time in the legislature there has not been a time when both houses were comprised of a conservative majority. In the recent primary the people of Wyoming have sent a crystal-clear message “they support and demand a conservative government”. I intend to deliver on that mandate and work closely with our colleagues in both the senate and the house to accomplish the will of the people. I believe that as a state our best days are ahead of us and that as a state legislature, we can provide the leadership with a steady hand on the rudder of government to a more prosperous future. We can and will serve as a guiding influence not only in Wyoming but also in this
country, should we fail let our posterity judge us harshly.” Senator Boner made the following statement: “I am excited to offer my experience as a sixth generation Wyoming rancher and Air Force veteran to the Wyoming Senate. As a multigenerational rancher who has first-hand experience with our energy economy, I will continue to guide policy that benefits hard working Wyomingites who feed and power our country every day. As a veteran of our nation’s nuclear missile fields and former instructor for nuclear missile operators, I hope to offer a calm, focused presence in the Wyoming Senate as I support every member becoming the most effective policy maker they can be.” 

Senator Steinmetz made the following statement: “Now more than ever, Wyoming needs a strong team of dedicated leaders to advance the principles of liberty in our State and Nation. Wyoming is uniquely positioned to lead the United States back to energy and agricultural dominance, to reject the woke agenda of the radical left and to strengthen traditional family values and virtue. I am committed to working with fellow Senators and Representatives to build a team to govern Wyoming and turn the tide back to common-sense conservatism which places value on the individual and the consent of the governed through transparency and accountability.  There is no better place to call home than Wyoming. I am truly blessed, immensely thankful and fiercely devoted to protecting our citizens, our State and our way of life.”

Senator Larry Hicks (R-Carbon, Sweetwater) was born in Powell Wyoming and attend college at both Northwest  Community College and the University of Wyoming. He has resided in Baggs Wyoming for the last 33 years employed as the Natural Resources Manager with the Little Snake River Conservation District where he has worked on every natural resource issue affecting the land, water, agriculture, wildlife, and economy of the area. He has significant experience working with federal land management agencies and navigating the regulatory environment of federal and state rules, regulation, and policies. He and his wife Roxane also have a small ranching operation where they raise foxtrotter horses.  He has served on a multitude of legislative committees over the last 14 years in addition to serving in leadership in the senate as vice president and majority floor leader.

Senator Brian Boner (R-Converse, Natrona) is a sixth generation Wyoming rancher and Air Force veteran. He has served the people of Senate District 2 since 2015. He has served as Chairman of both the Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee as well as the Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committees and is currently the Chairman of the Wyoming State Senate Republican Caucus. He lives in Douglas with his wife, Nicole, and their three children.

Senator Cheri Steinmetz (R-Goshen, Niobrara, Weston) is a fourth-generation Goshen County resident who grew up on the family farm with a deep appreciation for Wyoming. She is grateful for her family, neighbors and for the independentrural lifestyle, community, land, and water. She and her husband Corey live north of Lingle and have one daughter who is married with two children. Corey and Cheri own retail businesses in Torrington and Cheyenne as well as an Independent Insurance Agency in Torrington. Senator Steinmetz currently serves as Chairman on the Senate Agriculture, State and Publican Lands and Water Resources Committee and Chairman of the Select Water Committee. She served in the House of Representatives until 2018 when she was elected to the Senate.