Cynthia Lummis To Not Seek Reelection

Wyoming Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis announced Friday afternoon that she will not seek re-election in 2026 after just one term.

Lummis, who was first elected to the Senate in 2020, cited the “difficult and exhausting weeks of session” in her retirement announcement. She is a close ally of President Donald Trump and a leading voice on energy and cryptocurrency issues.

“It is an incredible honor to represent Wyoming in the United States Senate, and throughout my time here, Wyoming has been my one and only priority,” Lummis said in a statement. (RELATED: Republican senator takes steps to prevent foreign adversaries from meddling in U.S. politics)

“Deciding not to run for office represents a change of heart for me, but during the difficult and exhausting session weeks this fall, I came to accept that I did not have six years left,” Lummis continued. “I’m a staunch legislator, but I feel like a sprinter in a marathon. The energy required isn’t up to par.”

Lummis’ decision to forgo a second term will pave the way for an open Senate race in the safe red state. Trump endorsed his re-election bid in March. Wyoming Republican Rep. Harriet Hageman is considered a leading contender in the GOP primary in August.

“Lummis leaves a big job to fill, but I am confident Wyoming will send a conservative Trump ally to the U.S. Senate in November,” National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott said in a statement.

WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 26: Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) speaks during a panel discussion on the economy during the America First Agenda Summit, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on July 26, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Lummis’ surprise announcement came after the Upper House adjourned for the Christmas break. The Senate had a particularly busy schedule this year, with lawmakers voting in 2025 more than in any year since at least the Reagan administration, according to the Senate Republican Communications Center.

Lummis, a prominent crypto champion, was instrumental in passing landmark stablecoin legislation known as the GENIUS Act in June. Trump argued that the law would allow the United States to become the world leader in cryptocurrency.

Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate, praised Lummis, describing the first woman to represent Wyoming in the Senate as a “trailblazer.”

“Cynthia Lummis is a perfect senator for Wyoming. From Miss Frontier Days to the Wyoming Legislature to the House of Representatives to the U.S. Senate, Cynthia has never stopped fighting for the people of Wyoming,” Barrasso wrote. “We will miss his infectious energy and iconic laugh in the halls of the United States Senate.”

Lummis previously served four terms in the House starting in 2009 before succeeding the late Wyoming Republican Sen. Mike Enzi in the upper chamber.

Lummis is the fifth Senate Republican to announce his retirement this year. Senators Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Joni Ernst of Iowa, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama are not seeking re-election in 2026. Tuberville is the favorite to become Alabama’s next governor.

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