Banks cruises to third term in Wyoming House

Cowley Republican Dalton Banks is in the driver’s seat for a third term in the Wyoming House of Representatives after a decisive victory in Tuesday’s Republican primary election.

According to unofficial election results, Banks defeated challenger J. Addison Aagard by a vote of 1,811 to 577 in House District 26, which covers much of Big Horn County.

Banks was the top vote-getter in each of the eight precincts where the House District 26 race appeared on the ballot, giving the two-term representative a commanding districtwide victory.

Banks won Lovell 807-215, Greybull 350-160, Shell 124-50, Emblem 2-1, Cowley 296-75, Byron 132-38, Deaver 49-18 and Frannie 51-20.

With no Democratic candidate currently standing between Banks and another term, Tuesday’s primary places him in a strong position to return to Cheyenne for the 2027 legislative session.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled by the confidence the people of House District 26 have placed in me by re-electing me to serve in the Wyoming House of Representatives,” Banks said Wednesday. “I am grateful to everyone who took the time to vote, support my campaign, offer encouragement and, even when we disagreed, engage with me throughout this election.”

Banks also thanked Aagard for the tone of the campaign.

“And I would like to thank Addison for running a clean, civil race,” he said.

Banks, a Cowley resident, was first elected to the Wyoming House in 2022 and won re-election in 2024. If the unofficial results hold and he wins the November general election, he will begin his third two-year term in January.

During the most recent legislative session, Banks served on the House Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee and the House Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee. He also served on the Legislature’s Select Water Committee.

Those assignments have placed Banks on committees dealing with issues of particular importance to rural Wyoming, including agriculture, public lands, water development, highways and transportation.

Following Tuesday’s victory, Banks said he views another term as both an opportunity and a responsibility.

“Serving the people of this district is a responsibility I do not take lightly,” he said. “We need strong leadership now more than ever.”

Banks said his focus will remain on representing the communities within House District 26 when lawmakers return to Cheyenne.

“I look forward to continuing to be a voice for the communities, families and values that make House District 26 such a great place to call home,” Banks said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I intend to make the most of it.”

Tuesday’s results remain unofficial until they are canvassed and certified.