Nine of the 10 Republican candidates who received “Checkgate” campaign donations on Wyoming’s House floor and elsewhere during the 2026 legislative session lost their seats in Tuesday’s primary election.
#wyomingnews #wyomingelections #checkgate
#wyomingnews #wyomingelections #checkgate
Nine of 10 Republican candidates tied to ‘Checkgate’ lost in Wyoming's primary - WyoFile
The losses were part of a dramatic election upset that saw the Wyoming Freedom Caucus lose control of the House.
wyofile.com
August 19, 2026 at 6:23 PM
Nine of the 10 Republican candidates who received “Checkgate” campaign donations on Wyoming’s House floor and elsewhere during the 2026 legislative session lost their seats in Tuesday’s primary election.
#wyomingnews #wyomingelections #checkgate
#wyomingnews #wyomingelections #checkgate
Our statement on Checkgate.
February 17, 2026 at 1:53 AM
Our statement on Checkgate.
Checkgate?
May 9, 2024 at 2:58 AM
Checkgate?
Republican leaders cited process rules in shutting down resolutions to condemn lawmakers tied to the Checkgate controversy. Instead, they accused the media of spending too much time focusing on the issue. wyofile.com/wyoming-gop-...
Wyoming GOP takes no action on check controversy - WyoFile
Republican leaders cite process rules in shutting down resolutions to condemn lawmakers.
wyofile.com
March 1, 2026 at 12:53 AM
Republican leaders cited process rules in shutting down resolutions to condemn lawmakers tied to the Checkgate controversy. Instead, they accused the media of spending too much time focusing on the issue. wyofile.com/wyoming-gop-...
The fundraiser is defending her actions, saying the checks were campaign donations. (No one's a candidate until May 14.) She claims the "George Soros-funded" Democrats always raise a lot of money. There are six Democrats in the 62-member Wyoming State House.
www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboome...
www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboome...
Wyoming’s ‘Checkgate’ is all about the Freedom Caucus’ political games
I had to laugh when I heard state legislators advise their colleagues to keep politics out of an investigation concerning a conservative activist who gave checks to some far-right Freedom
www.wyomingnews.com
February 23, 2026 at 9:45 PM
The fundraiser is defending her actions, saying the checks were campaign donations. (No one's a candidate until May 14.) She claims the "George Soros-funded" Democrats always raise a lot of money. There are six Democrats in the 62-member Wyoming State House.
www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboome...
www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboome...
Some lawmakers accused Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak of being politically motivated after his office launched an investigation into "Checkgate."
Kozak maintains that's not the case, and said his agency can employ certain investigative tools that aren't available to a legislative committee.
Kozak maintains that's not the case, and said his agency can employ certain investigative tools that aren't available to a legislative committee.
Amid ‘Checkgate’ controversy, sheriff says criminal inquiry is ‘not politically motivated’ - WyoFile
Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak has faced criticism from some lawmakers for pursuing a law enforcement inquiry into the check passing.
wyofile.com
March 4, 2026 at 3:27 PM
Some lawmakers accused Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak of being politically motivated after his office launched an investigation into "Checkgate."
Kozak maintains that's not the case, and said his agency can employ certain investigative tools that aren't available to a legislative committee.
Kozak maintains that's not the case, and said his agency can employ certain investigative tools that aren't available to a legislative committee.
GOP lawmakers knock Democrat for leaking ‘Checkgate’ photo. But others have used press to question colleagues. - @wyofile.com wyofile.com/gop-lawmaker...
GOP lawmakers knock Democrat for leaking ‘Checkgate’ photo. But others have used press to question colleagues. - WyoFile
The legislators, including several involved in the controversy, say an internal, confidential process should have been used instead to examine and resolve the problem.
wyofile.com
February 26, 2026 at 7:58 PM
GOP lawmakers knock Democrat for leaking ‘Checkgate’ photo. But others have used press to question colleagues. - @wyofile.com wyofile.com/gop-lawmaker...
As two investigations play out over "Checkgate," some Republican lawmakers have criticized the Democrat who first publicized a photo of the check exchange.
But last year, another legislator went public with questions about whether his colleagues violated a Wyoming spending law.
But last year, another legislator went public with questions about whether his colleagues violated a Wyoming spending law.
GOP lawmakers knock Democrat for leaking ‘Checkgate’ photo. But others have used press to question colleagues. - WyoFile
The legislators, including several involved in the controversy, say an internal, confidential process should have been used instead to examine and resolve the problem.
wyofile.com
February 26, 2026 at 7:41 PM
As two investigations play out over "Checkgate," some Republican lawmakers have criticized the Democrat who first publicized a photo of the check exchange.
But last year, another legislator went public with questions about whether his colleagues violated a Wyoming spending law.
But last year, another legislator went public with questions about whether his colleagues violated a Wyoming spending law.
Rebecca Bextel, the conservative activist at the center of the Checkgate controversy, covered a lot of ground while testifying. She took shots at the “fake news media,” Democrats and "counterfeit Republicans," but had trouble recalling certain details. wyofile.com/checkgate-he...
Checkgate hearing live: Bextel takes shots at 'fake news media,' Democrats and ‘counterfeit Republicans’ - WyoFile
Follow along as WyoFile brings you the latest news from the legislative committee investigating the House check-passing controversy.
wyofile.com
February 27, 2026 at 4:16 AM
Rebecca Bextel, the conservative activist at the center of the Checkgate controversy, covered a lot of ground while testifying. She took shots at the “fake news media,” Democrats and "counterfeit Republicans," but had trouble recalling certain details. wyofile.com/checkgate-he...
Republican leaders cited process rules in shutting down resolutions to condemn lawmakers tied to the Checkgate controversy. Instead, they accused the media of spending too much time focusing on the issue.
Wyoming GOP takes no action on check controversy - WyoFile
Republican leaders cite process rules in shutting down resolutions to condemn lawmakers.
wyofile.com
March 2, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Republican leaders cited process rules in shutting down resolutions to condemn lawmakers tied to the Checkgate controversy. Instead, they accused the media of spending too much time focusing on the issue.
Week two of the budget session is when all lawmakers get their first chance to weigh in on how much, and on what, the state will spend over the next two years.
WyoFile's Maggie Mullen and Wyoming Public Radio's Chris Clements break down the process. They've got the latest on Checkgate, too.
WyoFile's Maggie Mullen and Wyoming Public Radio's Chris Clements break down the process. They've got the latest on Checkgate, too.
All the budget's amendments. Plus, a Wyoming Checkgate update
YouTube video by WyoFile
youtu.be
February 21, 2026 at 4:34 AM
Week two of the budget session is when all lawmakers get their first chance to weigh in on how much, and on what, the state will spend over the next two years.
WyoFile's Maggie Mullen and Wyoming Public Radio's Chris Clements break down the process. They've got the latest on Checkgate, too.
WyoFile's Maggie Mullen and Wyoming Public Radio's Chris Clements break down the process. They've got the latest on Checkgate, too.
From Green River to Casper to Gillette, elected officials, politicians and constituents question the timing and location of campaign donations made on the House floor of the Wyoming Capitol.
"The whole state's talking about it," Republican rancher Rob Hendry said.
"The whole state's talking about it," Republican rancher Rob Hendry said.
‘It looks bad’: Checkgate investigation reverberates around Wyoming - WyoFile
Elected officials, politicians, constituent question timing and location of campaign donations, with one calling it ‘an absolute stain.’
wyofile.com
February 19, 2026 at 3:15 PM
From Green River to Casper to Gillette, elected officials, politicians and constituents question the timing and location of campaign donations made on the House floor of the Wyoming Capitol.
"The whole state's talking about it," Republican rancher Rob Hendry said.
"The whole state's talking about it," Republican rancher Rob Hendry said.
Wyoming has a budget for the next two years! After weeks of divisive lead up, how did we get here? Plus, the House issues its report on an activist handing out campaign checks.
WyoFile's Maggie Mullen and Wyoming Public Radio's Chris Clements break down the penultimate week of the budget session.
WyoFile's Maggie Mullen and Wyoming Public Radio's Chris Clements break down the penultimate week of the budget session.
Wyoming budget inked, 'Checkgate' checked
YouTube video by WyoFile
youtu.be
March 6, 2026 at 11:37 PM
Wyoming has a budget for the next two years! After weeks of divisive lead up, how did we get here? Plus, the House issues its report on an activist handing out campaign checks.
WyoFile's Maggie Mullen and Wyoming Public Radio's Chris Clements break down the penultimate week of the budget session.
WyoFile's Maggie Mullen and Wyoming Public Radio's Chris Clements break down the penultimate week of the budget session.
OPINION: The performance of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus has been an embarrassment for the Big Empty. Let's usher them out the door come August, writes columnist Rod Miller.
Opinion | ‘Checkgate,’ primary day and sharp Wyoming elbows
The performance of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus has been an embarrassment for the Big Empty. Let’s usher them out the door come August, writes columnist Rod Miller.
wyofile.com
February 18, 2026 at 6:43 PM
OPINION: The performance of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus has been an embarrassment for the Big Empty. Let's usher them out the door come August, writes columnist Rod Miller.
Rep. Karlee Provenza defended her decision to share a photo of the check exchange with journalists. "What I saw was an egregious use of the Wyoming House floor," she testified.
"I also wanted the truth, and going forward to the press meant that journalists would have to corroborate what I saw."
"I also wanted the truth, and going forward to the press meant that journalists would have to corroborate what I saw."
Checkgate hearing live: Photos, video capture exchange - WyoFile
Follow along as WyoFile brings you the latest news from the legislative committee investigating the House check-passing controversy.
wyofile.com
February 26, 2026 at 11:46 PM
Rep. Karlee Provenza defended her decision to share a photo of the check exchange with journalists. "What I saw was an egregious use of the Wyoming House floor," she testified.
"I also wanted the truth, and going forward to the press meant that journalists would have to corroborate what I saw."
"I also wanted the truth, and going forward to the press meant that journalists would have to corroborate what I saw."
At least two Wyoming residents have asked state and local law enforcement agencies to look into whether laws regulating lobbying and other political activity were broken during a check-passing incident on the floor of the House of Representatives. wyofile.com/wyomingites-...
Wyomingites call for lobbying investigation in response to 'Checkgate' controversy - WyoFile
At least 2 people have filed complaints seeking answers about Bextel's alleged lobbying.
wyofile.com
March 18, 2026 at 6:55 PM
At least two Wyoming residents have asked state and local law enforcement agencies to look into whether laws regulating lobbying and other political activity were broken during a check-passing incident on the floor of the House of Representatives. wyofile.com/wyomingites-...
Rebecca Bextel, the Teton County conservative activist at the center of the Checkgate controversy, announced Wednesday she will run for governor. She will seek the Constitution Party’s nomination to stymie Sen. Eric Barlow’s candidacy. wyofile.com/checkgates-r...
Checkgate’s Rebecca Bextel launches ‘insurance policy’ bid for Wyoming governor - WyoFile
The Teton County conservative will seek the Constitution Party’s nomination at its June convention.
wyofile.com
May 13, 2026 at 8:16 PM
Rebecca Bextel, the Teton County conservative activist at the center of the Checkgate controversy, announced Wednesday she will run for governor. She will seek the Constitution Party’s nomination to stymie Sen. Eric Barlow’s candidacy. wyofile.com/checkgates-r...
Photographed giving checks to GOP lawmakers on the House floor, Rebecca Bextel says conservative candidates are at a financial disadvantage. Yes, writes columnist Kerry Drake, House Dems, outnumbered 56 to 6, have really created an uneven playing field. wyofile.com/wyomings-che...
Opinion | Wyoming’s ‘Checkgate’ is all about the Freedom Caucus’ political games
GOP activist who handed out money to lawmakers on House floor claims she’s leveling the playing field for conservatives, writes columnist Kerry Drake.
wyofile.com
February 16, 2026 at 8:19 PM
Photographed giving checks to GOP lawmakers on the House floor, Rebecca Bextel says conservative candidates are at a financial disadvantage. Yes, writes columnist Kerry Drake, House Dems, outnumbered 56 to 6, have really created an uneven playing field. wyofile.com/wyomings-che...
Rebecca Bextel, the conservative activist at the center of the Checkgate controversy, cast blame elsewhere while testifying.
Two more GOP lawmakers said they took checks on the Wyoming House floor, and the Democrat who photographed the incident said she didn't want things "swept under the rug."
Two more GOP lawmakers said they took checks on the Wyoming House floor, and the Democrat who photographed the incident said she didn't want things "swept under the rug."
Bextel, lawmakers maintain no wrongdoing as Wyoming House panel questions witnesses - WyoFile
During the House Special Investigation Committee's five-hour hearing, two more Wyoming lawmakers acknowledged receiving campaign donations from Rebecca Bextel on the House floor. The conservative acti...
wyofile.com
February 27, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Rebecca Bextel, the conservative activist at the center of the Checkgate controversy, cast blame elsewhere while testifying.
Two more GOP lawmakers said they took checks on the Wyoming House floor, and the Democrat who photographed the incident said she didn't want things "swept under the rug."
Two more GOP lawmakers said they took checks on the Wyoming House floor, and the Democrat who photographed the incident said she didn't want things "swept under the rug."
And there was this:
‘It looks bad’: Checkgate investigation reverberates around Wyoming - WyoFile
Elected officials, politicians, constituent question timing and location of campaign donations, with one calling it ‘an absolute stain.’
wyofile.com
August 19, 2026 at 6:44 AM
And there was this:
Does the Alex Times editorial board do any kind of basic fact checking for the letters to the editor before publishing? The whole Euille/Checkgate thing may be nefarious (I dunno 🤷♂️), but this letter alleges a violation that doesn't apply to the mayor and should be apparent from the term "legislator"
March 7, 2024 at 3:04 AM
Does the Alex Times editorial board do any kind of basic fact checking for the letters to the editor before publishing? The whole Euille/Checkgate thing may be nefarious (I dunno 🤷♂️), but this letter alleges a violation that doesn't apply to the mayor and should be apparent from the term "legislator"
This certainly suggests an anti-HFC wave, not an anti-incumbency wave. But it’s also possible the results are due to other factors, e.g. voters rejecting more conservative incumbents in general, or those implicated in the “checkgate” scandal. 4/4
wyofile.com/nine-of-10-r...
wyofile.com/nine-of-10-r...
Nine of 10 Republican candidates tied to ‘Checkgate’ lost in Wyoming's primary - WyoFile
The losses were part of a dramatic election upset that saw the Wyoming Freedom Caucus lose control of the House.
wyofile.com
August 20, 2026 at 1:10 PM
This certainly suggests an anti-HFC wave, not an anti-incumbency wave. But it’s also possible the results are due to other factors, e.g. voters rejecting more conservative incumbents in general, or those implicated in the “checkgate” scandal. 4/4
wyofile.com/nine-of-10-r...
wyofile.com/nine-of-10-r...
somebody prob complained to trump
wyofile.com/nine-of-10-r...
wyofile.com/nine-of-10-r...
Nine of 10 Republican candidates tied to ‘Checkgate’ lost in Wyoming's primary - WyoFile
The losses were part of a dramatic election upset that saw the Wyoming Freedom Caucus lose control of the House.
wyofile.com
August 28, 2026 at 1:42 PM
somebody prob complained to trump
wyofile.com/nine-of-10-r...
wyofile.com/nine-of-10-r...