Harriet Hageman is likely Wyoming’s next representative in the United States House. With the support of former President Donald Trump, she faced incumbent Rep. Liz Cheney in Tuesday’s Republican primary and won.
Hageman beat Cheney by about 30 points, according to unofficial results.
Because Wyoming is still conservative, the winner of this primary is considered the likely winner of the general election.
Here’s what you need to know about Hageman.
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Who is Harriet Hageman?
Hageman grew up on a ranch near Fort Laramie, Wyoming.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1986 and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 1989. She clerked for a federal appellate judge.
Hageman, 59, practiced law in the private sector in Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado, according to Iowa State University women in the archives of political communication.
She is a natural resources lawyer and co-founded Wyoming Conservative Alliance in 2004 with her former business partner Kara Brighton, according to Ballotpedia. The group’s goal was to“increase public participation at the state and federal regulatory level“says Ballotpedia.
She ran for governor of the state in 2018, but lost in the primary.
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Hageman announces his race
Hageman announced she would run against Cheney for the seat of Wyoming’s House on September 9.
Cheney took heat from fellow Republicans for speaking out against Trump’s involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, and was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach him.
“The people of Wyoming deserve leaders who reflect their views and values, but Liz Cheney betrayed us because of her personal war with President Trump, who twice won Wyoming by massive majorities,” Hageman said. in a press release before its official announcement.
During a debate against Cheney on June 30, Hageman supported Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen, Business Insider reports.
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Donald Trump’s endorsement
Trump also endorsed Hageman on September 9.
“Harriet is all about America First,” Trump said in a statement, while denouncing Cheney as “RINO” – “Republican in name only” – and “the number one provider of soundbites to Democrats”.
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Trump applauded Hageman’s stance on border enforcement, crime, gun rights and what he called “election integrity.”
Trump said he had vetted several Wyoming Republicans who wanted to run against Cheney and urged candidates to unite behind a challenger who could have a head-to-head race against Cheney, his GOP foe .
Kevin McCarthy supports Hageman
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., endorsed Hageman in February.
“After spending time with Harriet, it’s clear that she will always listen and prioritize the needs of her local communities and focus on solving our country’s biggest problems,” McCarthy told The Federalist. “I look forward to serving with Harriet for years to come.”
Hageman was once Cheney’s ally
Hageman and Cheney’s relationship wasn’t always contentious. She worked on Cheney’s campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2014.
“I’m proud to introduce my friend Liz Cheney,” Hageman said at the time. “I know Liz Cheney is a proven, courageous constitutional conservative, someone with the education, background and experience to effectively fight for Wyoming on the national stage.”
Contributor: Ella Lee