Freedom Caucus’ Rep. Ward of Casper faces political newcomer

One of the hard-line Wyoming Freedom Caucus’ more high-profile members will face a political newcomer in August’s primary election — marking the latest battle line for control of the Legislature. 

Julie Jarvis, a Natrona County school administrator, announced Monday she’s challenging Rep. Jeanette Ward (R-Casper) for the Republican nomination in House District 57.

Ward quickly rose to prominence in the Freedom Caucus during her first term in the Legislature, making waves with several bills related to abortion, vaccines and transgender rights. She announced on social media after the 2024 session ended that she’d seek a second term. 

“I am announcing my candidacy for reelection and with your vote, I will continue to fight for the things you hold dear,” Ward wrote in a March 15 Facebook post. 

Many see the race as a test case for the 2024 election season in which voters are expected to weigh the value of Wyoming bona fides and determine the balance of power between rival Republican factions. Ward, who has described herself as a political refugee from Illinois moved here in 2021. Jarvis was born and raised on a farm outside Buffalo.

Challenger

Jarvis was prompt to make her Wyoming roots a hallmark of her campaign. 

“If you’re from Wyoming, you know we value the right to make our own decisions for our families, health, pocketbooks, businesses, safety and local communities,” Jarvis said in a campaign announcement video on Monday. “We’re not fans of people trying to come in and change us or take our individual rights away.” 

Jarvis also took aim at the state of affairs in Wyoming, calling it a “political circus that has forgotten how decisions impact local people.” 

Also central to her campaign messaging is Jarvis’ opposition to a controversial gravel mine set to dig into the base of Casper Mountain. The project — initially approved by all five of Wyoming’s statewide elected officials — has stirred up ire among residents who fear the project may impact water wells, generate clouds of dust and hammer roads not built for industrial traffic. 

“Our current representative is supporting an incoming gravel pit at the base of Casper Mountain that will benefit very few and holds the potential of having devastating effects on Casper’s residents,” Jarvis said in her announcement. “This is one example of how our representative isn’t listening to our local community or people.”

Jarvis is new to political office and currently works as the director of teaching and learning for Natrona County School District #1. 

With a background in education, Jarvis says she’ll “fight for parents’ rights” and will “champion collaborative instruction,” according to her website, which also says she’s a lifelong hunter and “2nd Amendment advocate.” 

Incumbent

While legislation sponsored by Ward has caught local headlines and sometimes even national attention, it’s seen little success at the statehouse. 

None of the eight bills Ward was lead sponsor of during her first term made it into law — a stat that’s not unusual for a freshman lawmaker. 

Her most well-known bill failed to make it out of the gates during this most recent session, but not without making a splash online. 

House Bill 50 – What is a woman act aimed to define women by their chromosomes and reproductive system, as seen in other anti-transgender legislation across the country. 

After the bill failed an introductory vote, national conservative talking heads posted about it on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

Ward has had better luck as a co-sponsor. 

In 2023, Ward was a co-sponsor on two abortion bans — both of which are now tied up in court. She’s since earned the endorsement of Wyoming Right to Life, the state’s foremost anti-abortion organization. 

She also co-sponsored the crossover voting ban in 2023, and more recently, a bill to repeal most gun-free zones. The latter passed both chambers of the Legislature but was vetoed by Gov. Mark Gordon. 

Ward has also made a name for herself for her anti-LGBTQ views. 

In 2023, she called for a boycott of private business and local non-profits — including Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions, the Casper Humane Society and Food Bank of Wyoming — because of their support for Casper Pride. 

“Please join me in prayer this weekend and this month, that wholesome family values would be celebrated in our community rather than abominations such as Pride month,” Ward wrote in a June 8 Facebook post. 

Ward serves on the Legislature’s Joint Labor Health and Social Services Committee. 

Other details 

House District 57, which spans a southeast section of Casper, has been a Republican stronghold for decades. 

Before being elected secretary of state, Chuck Gray represented the district from 2017-2022. He endorsed Ward in her last election. 

The primary election is Aug. 20. Voter registration is currently open. The last day registered voters can change their party affiliation is May 15.