Wyoming Senate Considers Ban on Campaign Contributions During Legislative Session

Senate leadership proposes new rules after activist hands checks to lawmakers on the floor

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Wyoming Senate has opened an investigation and is considering a ban on receiving campaign contributions during the legislative session, after a conservative activist named Rebecca Bextel was found to have handed out checks to lawmakers on the floor of the state Capitol. Senate leaders say the practice undermines public trust and creates the appearance of impropriety, and they are working to amend Senate rules to prohibit such activity.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights concerns about the influence of money in politics and the need to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the legislative process. Lawmakers are seeking to draw a clear line between campaign fundraising and official legislative duties in order to avoid even the perception that policy decisions are being influenced by political contributions.

The details

Bextel, a Jacksonite, has acknowledged handing out campaign contribution checks to at least one state senator, though she claims she was delivering them on behalf of an unnamed Teton County donor. Senate leaders have confirmed that they have possession of at least one of the checks. The Senate is now conducting its own investigation into the matter. Lawmakers are proposing an outright ban in Senate rules on receiving campaign contributions during a legislative session, and they may also seek to make it illegal under state law.

  • On Monday, February 9, 2026, Bextel handed checks to lawmakers on the floor of the Wyoming House of Representatives.
  • On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the controversy spilled onto the House floor when Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, raised concerns about the checks during a debate on a bill that Bextel backs.
  • On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the entire Wyoming Senate held a private caucus meeting to discuss the issue, and Senate leaders met in a Rules Committee to propose new rules to ban campaign contributions during the legislative session.

The players

Rebecca Bextel

A conservative activist from Jackson, Wyoming who handed out campaign contribution checks to lawmakers on the floor of the state Capitol.

Rep. Mike Yin

A Democratic state representative from Jackson who raised concerns about Bextel's actions on the House floor.

Sen. Tara Nethercott

The Republican Senate Majority Floor Leader from Cheyenne who is leading the effort to ban campaign contributions during the legislative session.

Sen. Bo Biteman

The Republican President of the Wyoming Senate from Ranchester who is overseeing the Senate's investigation into the matter.

Sen. Mike Gierau

A Democratic state senator from Jackson who said "This building should be free of fundraising."

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What they’re saying

“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 interest of the people of Wyoming — not influenced by the timing of political contributions.”

— Sen. Tara Nethercott, Senate Majority Floor Leader (Senate letter)

“These checks were written two weeks ago, and were not handed out while the House or Senate were in session.”

— Rebecca Bextel (Facebook)

“This building should be free of fundraising.”

— Sen. Mike Gierau, Democratic State Senator (Senate Rules Committee meeting)

What’s next

The Senate Rules Committee plans to meet again on Friday at noon to revisit the proposed rule change and vote on it. If the committee approves the new rule, it will then need to pass the full Senate before becoming official. Senate leadership is also considering introducing a bill that would make it a crime to accept campaign contributions in the Capitol.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the ongoing debate over the role of money in politics and the need to maintain public trust in the legislative process. By proposing a ban on campaign contributions during the legislative session, Wyoming lawmakers are seeking to draw a clear line between fundraising and official duties, in an effort to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.