Lawmakers' Defamation Case Against PAC Hinges on Trump's Popularity

Two Republican state representatives sue over claims they voted to remove Trump from the ballot.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:40pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a solitary Wyoming state capitol building, its facade and dome bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of political tensions.The political divide in Wyoming over former President Trump's popularity casts a long shadow over the state's legislative process.Rock Springs Today

State Reps. Cody Wylie and JT Larson, both Republicans from Rock Springs, Wyoming, have sued the Wyoming Freedom Caucus' campaign arm for defamation. The PAC had sent out mailers and text messages claiming the lawmakers voted against keeping Trump on the ballot, which was not true. The case now hinges on whether Trump's popularity in Wyoming is a 'proxy' for being a 'true Republican'.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing political divide in Wyoming, where support for former President Trump has become a key litmus test for Republican lawmakers. The outcome could set a precedent for how political groups can target elected officials who are perceived as insufficiently loyal to the former president.

The details

Wylie and Larson voted in favor of keeping a budget amendment that sought to bar the Wyoming Secretary of State's office from spending state taxpayer dollars on out-of-state lawsuits where Wyoming wasn't a party. The PAC, however, claimed the lawmakers had 'voted with the radical left' to remove Trump from the ballot, which was not true. The PAC has asked the court to dismiss the defamation case, but the lawmakers are urging the court to keep the case alive and send it to a jury.

  • In 2024, Wylie and Larson sued the Wyoming Freedom Caucus' campaign arm for defamation.
  • Earlier in March 2026, the PAC asked the Sweetwater County District Court to dismiss Wylie and Larson's defamation case.
  • On March 23, 2026, Wylie and Larson filed a counter-motion urging the court to keep the case alive and send it to a jury.

The players

Cody Wylie

A Republican state representative from Rock Springs, Wyoming, who is suing the Wyoming Freedom Caucus' campaign arm for defamation.

JT Larson

A Republican state representative from Rock Springs, Wyoming, who is suing the Wyoming Freedom Caucus' campaign arm for defamation.

WY Freedom PAC

The campaign arm of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, which is being sued for defamation by Wylie and Larson.

Clark Stith

The attorney representing Wylie and Larson in the defamation case.

Mark Jackowski

An attorney representing the WY Freedom PAC in the defamation case.

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What they’re saying

“Trump is exceedingly popular among Republicans in Wyoming House District 17, Wyoming House District 39, and Wyoming generally. Trump is so popular that whether one supports Trump has become a proxy for whether a person is a true Republican.”

— Clark Stith, Attorney for Wylie and Larson

“The defining feature of that 2022 Republican primary campaign was Hageman's support for Trump, contrasted with Cheney's opposition to Trump.”

— Clark Stith, Attorney for Wylie and Larson

“The insiders were pushed until they admitted on the floor that the footnote was drafted because (the appropriators who formed the footnote) didn't like Chuck's behavior.”

— John Bear, Former Caucus Chair, Wyoming House of Representatives

What’s next

Judge James Kaste of the Uinta County District Court will now decide whether the defamation case should end early or go to trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing political divide in Wyoming, where support for former President Trump has become a key litmus test for Republican lawmakers. The outcome could set a precedent for how political groups can target elected officials who are perceived as insufficiently loyal to the former president.