Cheri Steinmetz

Cheri Steinmetz is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Wyoming State Senate, representing District 3. A member of the Republican Party, she has held this position since January 7, 2019. Prior to her tenure in the Senate, Steinmetz served in the Wyoming House of Representatives, where she represented District 5 from 2015 to 2019. Her political career has been marked by her involvement in various legislative initiatives and her focus on issues pertinent to her constituents in Wyoming.

Early life and career

Cheri Steinmetz's early life and career details are not extensively documented in the available sources. However, her political journey began with her election to the Wyoming House of Representatives in 2015. In this role, she represented District 5, which encompasses a portion of the state that includes both urban and rural communities. Steinmetz's entry into politics was characterized by her challenge to the incumbent Republican Representative Matt Teeters, who had previously held a leadership position as House Majority Whip. This challenge was significant as it reflected a shift in the political landscape within her district.

In the 2014 Republican primary, Steinmetz successfully defeated Teeters, garnering a substantial majority of the votes. This victory was influenced by various factors, including Teeters' co-authorship of Senate File 104 in 2013, a controversial piece of legislation that removed several constitutional powers from the Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction. The unpopularity of this legislation among constituents likely contributed to Steinmetz's successful campaign. Following her primary win, she faced no opposition in the general election, which allowed her to secure her position in the House without contest.

During her time in the Wyoming House of Representatives, Steinmetz was able to establish herself as a committed public servant, engaging with her constituents and addressing their concerns. Her tenure in the House lasted until 2019, when she transitioned to the Wyoming State Senate.

Legislative service

Cheri Steinmetz's legislative service in the Wyoming State Senate began when she was elected to represent District 3 in 2019. Her election followed the retirement of incumbent Republican Senator Curt Meier, who chose to run for State Treasurer. Steinmetz declared her candidacy for the Senate seat and participated in the Republican primary, where she achieved a decisive victory over her opponent, Martin Gubbels, receiving approximately 71.1% of the votes cast. In the subsequent general election, she faced Democratic candidate Marci Shaver and won with a significant majority, securing about 79.6% of the votes.

Since taking office, Steinmetz has been involved in various legislative initiatives and has taken positions on a range of issues. Her work in the Senate has included proposing budget amendments and sponsoring bills that reflect her policy priorities. One notable action occurred in February 2022 when she authored a budget amendment aimed at eliminating the Gender Studies program at the University of Wyoming. This proposal was part of her broader approach to education and budgetary concerns within the state.

In addition to her work on education-related issues, Steinmetz has also focused on environmental policies. In 2025, she sponsored a bill asserting that carbon dioxide (CO2) is a foundational nutrient necessary for all life on Earth. The bill aimed to establish a state policy that CO2 should not be classified or treated as a pollutant or contaminant. However, this proposal was ultimately voted down in committee, reflecting the complexities and challenges of environmental legislation in the state.

Steinmetz's legislative service has been characterized by her commitment to her constituents and her willingness to engage in contentious issues. Her background in the House of Representatives has likely informed her approach in the Senate, as she continues to navigate the political landscape of Wyoming.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wyoming State Senate, Cheri Steinmetz represents District 3, which includes a diverse range of communities and interests. Her policy focus has been shaped by the unique needs and concerns of her constituents, who reside in both urban and rural areas. Steinmetz's Republican affiliation aligns her with the party's broader ideological framework, which emphasizes limited government, fiscal responsibility, and individual liberties.

Steinmetz's legislative priorities have included education reform, budgetary considerations, and environmental policies. Her proposal to eliminate the Gender Studies program at the University of Wyoming highlights her stance on educational content and funding priorities. This move reflects a broader national conversation about the role of gender studies and similar programs in higher education, as well as the allocation of state resources.

In addition to education, Steinmetz's environmental policy initiatives, particularly her stance on carbon dioxide, indicate her alignment with certain economic and scientific perspectives that prioritize the use of fossil fuels and the importance of CO2 in ecological systems. This position has implications for Wyoming's energy sector, which is a significant part of the state's economy.

Steinmetz's engagement with her constituents and her legislative actions suggest that she is attuned to the concerns of the people in District 3. Her focus on issues such as education and environmental policy reflects the priorities of many Wyoming residents, who often advocate for policies that support economic growth while also addressing social and environmental challenges.

Overall, Cheri Steinmetz's career in the Wyoming State Senate is marked by her commitment to representing the interests of her district and her involvement in key legislative issues. Her background in the House of Representatives and her subsequent election to the Senate have positioned her as a significant figure in Wyoming politics, where she continues to navigate the complexities of state governance and policy-making.