James
Byrd
Democratic challenger for Wyoming's U.S. Senate seat in 2026; former Wyoming state representative from Cheyenne
- sources
- 6
- positions
- 12
- endorsements
- 0
Background
James Byrd is the Democratic challenger for Wyoming's U.S. Senate seat in the November 3, 2026 general election, running against Republican incumbent Harriet Hageman. He is based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. 1815
Byrd previously served in the Wyoming House of Representatives representing District 44 (Cheyenne) from 2009 to 2019, including roles as Minority Whip (2013–2015) and Minority Caucus Leader (2015–2017). He was the Democratic nominee for Wyoming secretary of state in 2018. 10
Before entering politics, Byrd worked as an exploration geophysicist, including for Amoco/BP in Colorado, and later as a contract computer project manager and software consultant with experience in cybersecurity. 710 He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wyoming and attended Laramie County Community College. 14
At a glance
- Party
- Democratic
- Running for
- U.S. Senate, Wyoming
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Website
- byrdforsenate.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 6newsByrd calls for restoring congressional authority, ending tariffs, and stopping war in Iran
In a Wyoming Public Media interview, Byrd named restoring congressional authority as a priority, saying 'The Congress is in control of the finances and the legislation, the laws in this country, not the executive.' He also called for ending needless tariffs, supported term limits for Congress and the Supreme Court, and said 'The war in Iran has to stop immediately.'
Interview with James Byrd, Democratic Party candidate for ... · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 2newsByrd outlines positions on energy, public lands, and healthcare in Wyoming Public Radio interview
Byrd said Wyoming should invest energy revenue in new technologies including nuclear, solar, wind, and geothermal. On public lands he stated: 'Not one inch, not one square foot of public lands ever should change hands.' On healthcare, he advocated state and local management of rural hospital programs with federal assistance as a backstop.
Senate candidates talk public lands, healthcare and energy · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 29debateByrd challenges Hageman to debate at Casper town hall, says he'll debate 'anywhere'
At a Casper town hall hosted by Natrona County Democrats, Byrd renewed his call for a debate, saying: 'everywhere I go now, I will debate her. I will have a meeting with her at any place, anywhere, even if it's a parking lot.' No debate had been scheduled at the time.
James Byrd challenges Hageman to debate anywhere · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Aug 18filingJames Byrd wins Democratic primary for Wyoming U.S. Senate seat
Byrd won the Democratic nomination with 9,591 votes compared to 2,499 for Billy Benavidez, securing his spot as the Democratic candidate facing Republican Rep. Harriet Hageman in the November 3 general election.
Interview with James Byrd, Democratic Party candidate for ... · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $23K
- Spent
- $23K
- Cash on hand
- $356
As of Jul 29, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record S6WY00217(opens in a new tab)
Sources 6
- [1] Interview with James Byrd, Democratic Party candidate for ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [2] Senate candidates talk public lands, healthcare and energy(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [3] James Byrd challenges Hageman to debate anywhere(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
- [4] Election Q&A: James Byrd for US Senate(opens in a new tab) Jun 11, 2026
- [5] James Byrd launches campaign with Gillette meet and greet(opens in a new tab) Mar 19, 2026
- [6] How James Byrd Plans To Represent Wyoming Values - kgab.com(opens in a new tab) Mar 2, 2026