Democrats pick their fighter for uphill bid to flip deep-red Senate seat

James Byrd has won the Democratic primary in Wyoming for the state’s open Senate seat, advancing against Billy Benavidez. The seat, previously held by Republicans since 1962, became open when incumbent Sen. Cynthia Lummis announced she would not seek re-election. Byrd, a former state representative, ran on a platform of protecting public lands, supporting energy jobs, and lowering rural healthcare costs.

• James Byrd won the Democratic primary for Wyoming’s open Senate seat.
• He defeated former golf club greenskeeper Billy Benavidez.
• The seat became open after incumbent Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis decided not to seek re-election.
• Byrd, a former state representative, previously worked as an exploration geophysicist and IT project manager.
• He advocated for a Wyoming-first campaign, focusing on public lands, energy jobs, and rural healthcare.
• Benavidez ran on a more libertarian platform, emphasizing individual liberty and limited government.
• Byrd has criticized Trump’s tariffs for hurting Wyoming’s agricultural products.
• On immigration, Byrd supports border security and opposes family separation, while backing reform.
• He also supports expanding data centers to diversify Wyoming’s economy.