Conservative activist hands checks to Wyoming lawmakers on House floor

Controversy erupts over Bextel's actions, with accusations of bribery and defamation

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Conservative activist Rebecca Bextel was seen handing out campaign checks from Teton County donors to several Republican lawmakers on the Wyoming House floor after a legislative session. This sparked a confrontation on the House floor the next day, with Democratic Rep. Mike Yin accusing Bextel of attempting to bribe lawmakers, which Bextel denied. The incident has raised questions about ethics and campaign finance in the state legislature.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between conservative activists like Bextel and lawmakers in Wyoming, particularly around issues like affordable housing. It also raises concerns about the influence of money in state politics and whether lawmakers should be accepting campaign donations directly on the legislative floor.

The details

According to reports, Bextel, a conservative activist from Jackson, was seen handing out checks to several Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Darin McCann, after a legislative session on Monday. McCann confirmed he received a check from a Teton County donor, saying Bextel was just delivering the donation for convenience. However, when Democratic Rep. Mike Yin raised concerns about the optics of Bextel handing out checks on the House floor, a heated confrontation erupted, with Republican lawmakers accusing Yin of making defamatory statements. Bextel later said she was simply delivering 'lawful campaign checks' and denied any wrongdoing.

  • On Monday evening after the House adjourned, Bextel walked onto the chamber floor and handed out checks to several Republican lawmakers.
  • On Wednesday, the issue was raised during a debate on a bill Bextel supports, sparking a confrontation on the House floor.

The players

Rebecca Bextel

A conservative political activist from Jackson, Wyoming who was seen handing out campaign checks from Teton County donors to Republican lawmakers on the Wyoming House floor.

Rep. Darin McCann

A Republican lawmaker from Rock Springs who received one of the campaign checks from Bextel and is a member of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus.

Rep. Mike Yin

A Democratic lawmaker from Jackson who raised concerns about Bextel handing out checks on the House floor, accusing her of attempting to bribe lawmakers.

Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams

The chair of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus who defended the lawmakers who accepted the checks from Bextel, calling Yin's accusations 'defamatory.'

Sen. Dan Dockstader

A veteran Republican lawmaker who expressed disappointment in the incident, saying lawmakers should approach their work with 'the utmost integrity.'

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What they’re saying

“There's no difference than them sending me the check in the mail.”

— Rep. Darin McCann, Republican lawmaker

“It was strictly a convenience for both of them.”

— Rep. Darin McCann, Republican lawmaker

“These are more challenging times. Everybody just needs to show up and do their job and do it with some respect and dignity.”

— Sen. Dan Dockstader, Veteran Republican lawmaker

“It's disrespectful to the institution. And it shows a lack of regard for the job.”

— Sen. Mike Gierau, Senate Minority Floor Leader

“I think it's terrible optics. Whether or not that's what those checks are for, I can't say.”

— Rep. Mike Yin, Democratic lawmaker

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.