Cheney loses big to Trump-backed challenger in Wyoming GOP straw poll

GOP Rep. Liz Cheney was routed this past weekend by a Trump-backed primary challenger in straw poll conducted by the Wyoming Republican State Central Committee.

Cheney, an outspoken Trump critic and a member of the Democrat-led House Jan. 6 select committee, lost to challenger Harriet Hageman by a margin of 59-6.

Trump endorsed Hageman in September.

The GOP former president had long criticized Cheney of being a war hawk. But he became increasingly incensed with her following the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol Building because she was on of several House Republicans who voted to impeach him over the matter. 

The poll results are just the latest, related fallout Cheney has faced in her home state. The central committee also narrowly voted recently to no longer recognize her as a member of the party. 

Hageman called her win "a good sign," but by no means believes the game is over.

"Straw polls, even with a far higher number of voters, do not have an accurate track record in Wyoming in recent years," she said. "There will be lots of polls over the next eight months, and they will all show different things."

Cheney's camp said similarly: "The only elections that matter are in August and November."