Issue Discussion · August 13, 2026
Jimmy at the Wyoming PBS U.S. Senate Debate
Jimmy Skovgard answered questions on the balance of power, federal overreach, Social Security, and more at the Wyoming PBS / Wyoming Public Media / Cowboy State Daily U.S. Senate Republican Primary Debate in Riverton. Watch the full debate or jump straight to his answers.
On August 13, 2026, Jimmy joined Harriet Hageman, Sam Mead, and John Holtz on stage at Central Wyoming College in Riverton for the U.S. Senate Republican Primary Debate, hosted by Wyoming PBS, Wyoming Public Media, and Cowboy State Daily. Over the course of the hour, candidates answered questions on the separation of powers, the federal budget, Social Security, health care costs, and more.
Watch the full debate, starting at the first question and skipping the introductions
Short on time? Below are five moments from Jimmy’s answers, each linked to the exact point in the video.
”The balance is deeply skewed”
Asked whether the U.S. Senate has become too deferential to the executive branch:
“Yes, yes, the balance is deeply skewed. Our Constitution gives Congress the power to write laws, control spending, and decide whether this nation goes to war. Executive orders were never intended to become a substitute for legislation. … Senators should not simply defer to the president. Our oath is to the Constitution.”
“Nobody asked you. Nobody asked me.”
On federal overreach into Wyoming’s local elections:
“How about the 23rd plank of the Republican Party right here in Wyoming? We will not allow the federal government to ever impinge upon local elections in Wyoming. … What happens when a Democrat president takes power? Do we want that Department of Justice to send notes to our county clerks on how we’re to conduct our elections in Wyoming? No, we do not. That is federal overreach.”
On Missing and Murdered Indigenous People
Asked what he’d do to address the crisis of Indigenous people murdered and missing at disproportionate rates in Wyoming:
“It affects us right here in Riverton very, almost directly. … We can build a regional facility right here in Riverton or Lander that treats this type of abuse, this type of drug addiction, and bring those folks in on their own free will. … We can’t just direct this — we have to sit down and work with those communities.”
“Enjoy our theater popcorn … on your dime?”
On the looming cuts to Social Security:
“In six years, we face a 25% cut to our Social Security benefits, [the] majority of us in this room. So let’s take a look at that and say, what are we going to do about that? Are we going to just sit back and ignore this problem, enjoy our theater popcorn as we sit in the halls of Congress on your dime, or are we going to actually do something?”
Closing statement: “Wyoming can lead again”
“I’m Jimmy Skovgard, and I’m from the people. I am Wyoming. And it’s time that Wyoming looks to the people for the answers. … I’ve met folks around the state that have told me my vote doesn’t count, my voice doesn’t matter — that is what got us into this situation. It’s time for us to rise up and take our responsibility as citizens of this state and citizens of this country. So folks, join with me, rise up, and let’s put this country back on track. Wyoming can lead again.”
The primary election is Tuesday, August 18th.
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