Leaving blue states, political newcomers hope to turn Wyoming a darker shade of red

On this Fourth of July, thousands of people waiting for the parade to start in the late morning light along a road are decked out in red, white, and blue. Staked out curbside positions with blankets and lawn chairs are locals and guests. Children excited about candy and fire engines receive star-spangled balloons from volunteers as the aroma of food trucks parked down the street fills the air. Outside the town’s saloon, a bulldog wearing a cowboy hat and handkerchief slurps water from a silver bowl. The barman remarks she has never seen such a fantastic parade-day turnout as she steps outside to take a look at the gathering.

This small community of around 250 people in northern Wyoming sees its busiest day of the year on Independence Day. The majority of visitors come from nearby settlements in the Bighorn Basin and make the drive there. Arriving for the parade, they remain for the rodeo. The half mile that makes up the majority of Ten Sleep’s main strip is covered by the parade route. However, because of the high voter turnout, political candidates frequently visit it during election seasons. The parade of rodeo queens, men on mounted horses, vintage vehicles, a chuck waggon, bicycles, and floats representing ranches, churches, and neighbourhood businesses is started by the Washakie County Sheriff’s Office just after 10 a.m. The first political candidate to show up is a county commissioner.

Republican Sen. Ed Cooper, 71, an expert on oil and gas, is a candidate for reelection after serving one term in the Wyoming Legislature. All 62 House districts and the even-numbered Senate districts are up for reelection this year. Cooper is driving a 4×4 UTV in the parade that is decorated with balloons, his campaign banners, and an American flag. Every few yards, he nuzzles the brake to come to a stop and throws candy to the audience. In the UTV’s bed, a few young guys on foot remove bottled water from buckets loaded with ice to distribute to parade attendees who are sweltering in the July heat. The announcer states, “And I can tell you for a fact, those boys who are giving out water are fifth generation right here in Ten Sleep, Wyoming.”