Senator Ed Cooper Introduces Resolution to Protect State Sovereignty and Defend Elections from Foreign Influence
CHEYENNE, WY – Senator Ed Cooper (R – Ten Sleep) announced today the introduction of SJ0008 Political expenditures designed to restore the ability of states to regulate campaign finance laws and protect elections from foreign interference.
Cooper said federalism is at the heart of this resolution.
“We in Wyoming know best how to protect our citizens from undue influence. Wyomingites overwhelmingly support taking action against the corrosive effects of dark money in politics and foreign interference in our elections,” Cooper said. He pointed to polling demonstrating that 88% of all Wyomingites believe dark money is a threat to democracy and 75% agree with the amendment as a solution.
After a contentious 2024 election cycle marked by a flood of dark money from out-of-state, constituents across Wyoming have called on the legislature to address the problem of dark money. Polling indicates that Wyomingites agree in overwhelming numbers that taking on dark money needs to be a priority for lawmakers.
Cooper added, “With the increasing threat of foreign money and centralized control over election rules, this is more pressing than ever. The Cowboy State needs to maintain our core values.”
Sophisticated dark money networks and foreign-funded organizations further erode voter trust and create vulnerabilities in state and federal elections. He pointed to The Problem of Foreign Money in Politics, a recent report by American Promise, showing how foreign actors exploit gaps in the current campaign finance system to funnel money into elections, destabilizing the democratic process.
“My constituents feel dark money has changed Wyoming elections and it is time for our state to have the right to regulate spending in our elections.” Sen. Cooper said. “As former U.S. Senator Al Simpson has said, ‘Money’s dominance over politics is the number one problem our nation faces. It is a growing crisis that prevents us from tackling anything else.’”
Cooper was joined by 32 co-sponsors, evenly divided across the Senate and the House. The resolution is set to be considered in the 2025 legislative session, signaling Wyoming’s leadership in a national movement to restore the balance of power between states and the federal government in campaign finance regulation.
