Wyoming Senate Formally Condemns GOP Activist For Passing Out Checks On House Floor

The Senate also moved to ban campaign contributions on the legislative floor during session.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Wyoming Senate unanimously condemned a Teton County GOP leader for handing out campaign checks on the state House floor earlier this week. The Senate also worked on a new rule to ban senators from soliciting or accepting campaign contributions on the legislative floor or in areas controlled by the Senate president during session.

Why it matters

The incident raised concerns about the appearance of vote-buying and the integrity of the legislative process. The Senate's condemnation and proposed rule change aim to uphold public confidence that policy decisions are made on the merits, not influenced by the timing of political contributions.

The details

On Monday, a Republican activist named Rebecca Bextel was photographed handing out checks to at least three House representatives on the chamber floor after adjournment. Two days later, those representatives voted in favor of introducing a bill Bextel has championed. The House voted unanimously to investigate whether the check incident involved bribery or misconduct. The Senate also confirmed the check passing occurred on their side, though they believe the concerns are not as severe as in the House.

  • On Monday, February 9, 2026, Bextel handed out checks to at least three House representatives on the chamber floor after adjournment.
  • Two days later, the representatives who received the checks voted in favor of introducing a bill Bextel has championed.

The players

Rebecca Bextel

A Republican activist who was registered to attend the legislative session as a member of the media and handed out campaign checks on the House floor.

Tara Nethercott

The Wyoming Senate Majority Floor Leader, who read the Senate's official condemnation of the check passing incident.

Bo Biteman

The Wyoming Senate President, who also read the Senate's condemnation statement from the floor.

Chip Neiman

The Wyoming House Speaker, who was tasked with crafting a seven-representative committee to investigate the check incident.

Darin McCann

A Wyoming House representative who received one of the checks from Bextel.

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What they’re saying

“The appearance of vote-buying on the House floor or the Senate floor is absolutely unconscionable, and we cannot allow that to happen.”

— Bo Biteman, Wyoming Senate President (Cowboy State Daily)

“The integrity of the legislative process depends upon public confidence that policy decisions are made on the merits, based on law, evidence, and the best interests of the people of Wyoming; not influenced by the timing of political contributions.”

— Tara Nethercott, Wyoming Senate Majority Floor Leader (Cowboy State Daily)

What’s next

The full Wyoming Senate may vote on the new rule to ban campaign contributions on the legislative floor and in areas controlled by the Senate president during session as soon as Friday or Monday.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity and public trust in the legislative process. The Senate's swift condemnation and proposed rule change demonstrate their commitment to ensuring policy decisions are made based on merit, not political influence.