Staff Reports
Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman has emerged as a rising star in the conservative movement, captivating audiences at this year’s CPAC with a fiery speech that drew standing ovations. As chair of the newly formed House Anti-Woke Caucus, Hageman has positioned herself as a leading voice against what she describes as the “radical leftist agenda” permeating federal government policies. Her ascent marks a significant shift in Wyoming’s political representation, replacing the Cheney legacy with a no-nonsense, unapologetically conservative approach to governance.
Hageman’s CPAC address focused on dismantling “woke ideologies” she claims are undermining American values and institutions. From critical race theory in schools to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in federal agencies, Hageman criticized these programs as divisive and counterproductive. She pledged to defund such efforts and restore merit-based systems that prioritize individual achievement over identity politics. For many conservatives, her message resonated as a call to arms against what they see as an overreach of progressive policies into every facet of American life.
As chair of the Anti-Woke Caucus, Hageman is not merely making rhetorical statements—she is spearheading legislative efforts to combat these trends. The caucus has already introduced bills aimed at prohibiting federal funds from being used for programs that discriminate or grant preferences based on race, gender, or other identity markers. Hageman has also worked closely with President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to expose and eliminate wasteful spending tied to left-leaning social initiatives. Her leadership reflects a broader Republican strategy to use their House majority to roll back progressive policies implemented during the Biden administration.
Hageman’s rise also symbolizes Wyoming’s renewed influence on the national stage. Her victory over Liz Cheney in 2022 was not just a political upset but a referendum on the direction of the Republican Party. By aligning herself closely with Trump and championing issues like energy independence, limited government, and election integrity, Hageman has become a standard-bearer for the party’s grassroots base. Her advocacy for traditional values and her willingness to challenge federal overreach have endeared her to conservatives who view her as a principled fighter for American freedoms.
Beyond her policy agenda, Hageman brings a distinct Western sensibility to Washington politics. Drawing on her background as a natural resources attorney, she has long fought against federal regulations that she argues harm ranchers, farmers, and energy producers—key constituencies in Wyoming. At CPAC, she highlighted how bureaucratic mismanagement of public lands and environmental policies have contributed to crises like wildfires in the West. Her emphasis on practical solutions rooted in local control underscores her commitment to representing Wyoming’s interests while addressing national challenges.
In Harriet Hageman, conservatives see a leader unafraid to take on entrenched interests and ideological opponents. Her rise signals a shift away from establishment politics toward a more combative and grassroots-driven conservatism. As she continues to make waves in Washington, Hageman embodies the rugged determination of her home state—a no-nonsense approach that resonates far beyond Wyoming’s borders. With her focus on dismantling woke ideologies and restoring constitutional principles, Hageman is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Republican Party and the nation at large.
