Mills Man Enters Senate Race, Challenging Rep. Hageman

Political newcomer Jimmy Skovgard aims to mend division in Congress

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Jimmy Skovgard, a Mills resident and former business owner, has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, challenging Rep. Harriet Hageman for the seat of retiring Sen. Cynthia Lummis. Skovgard, a political newcomer, says his outsider perspective is a benefit in addressing the division present in Congress and the 2024 general election.

Why it matters

Skovgard's entry into the race provides an alternative to Hageman, who has strong ties to former President Trump. As a political outsider, Skovgard hopes to appeal to voters seeking a more conciliatory approach in Congress.

The details

Skovgard told the Casper Star-Tribune that the division in the 2024 election motivated him to get involved in politics. He believes Congress has a responsibility to practice oversight, and that immigration enforcement can be done without violence. Skovgard is running as a Republican, but says he wants to work across the aisle to reunite the country.

  • Skovgard announced his candidacy in February 2026.
  • The Republican primary election is scheduled for August 2026.

The players

Jimmy Skovgard

A Mills resident and former business owner who is running as a political newcomer for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Cynthia Lummis.

Rep. Harriet Hageman

The current U.S. Representative for Wyoming's at-large congressional district, who has also announced a bid for the open Senate seat.

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What they’re saying

“For goodness sakes, we don't need to shoot people when we're doing immigration enforcement. And if folks are opposed to immigration enforcement, then we need a better message.”

— Jimmy Skovgard, U.S. Senate Candidate (Casper Star-Tribune)

What’s next

The Republican primary election is scheduled for August 2026, where Skovgard will face off against Rep. Hageman and other potential candidates for the open Senate seat.

The takeaway

Skovgard's entry into the Senate race provides an alternative to the Trump-aligned Hageman, as he aims to appeal to voters seeking a more conciliatory approach in Congress and a mending of the political divide.