CHICAGO—Tuesday night at the 2024 Democratic National Convention served as a significant “healing moment” for Artemis Langford, a Democratic delegate from Wyoming, as she watched former President Barack Obama take the stage at the United Center. Raised in a Republican household, Langford reflected on her anger during Obama’s inauguration in January 2009, contrasting it with her joy at attending her first convention now.
Langford expressed her excitement about connecting with fellow Democrats, stating, “It’s been such a joy to meet so many wonderful Democrats at this oasis, this awesome meeting point.”
Finding like-minded individuals can be a challenge for many Wyoming Democrats, as the state has only 24,751 registered Democrats—about 11% of total registered voters—as of August 1, 2024. In contrast, registered Republicans make up nearly 81% of the state’s voting population with 180,815 registered voters.
“It’s powerful to be around all these people who have a common goal, who have a positive outlook, who want to do some good for everybody,” said Lorraine Saulino-Klein, a Wyoming delegate. “It’s jazzy.”
During the convention, many delegates experienced interactions that differed significantly from their usual encounters back home. Langford and Saulino-Klein come from Albany County, one of the few areas in Wyoming where Democrats are competitive, while others are often surrounded by political adversaries. Vickie Goodwin from Douglas recalled the struggles her late husband faced due to his cross-dressing, underscoring her mix of pride and comfort at the convention. “I’m not afraid to be a Democrat in Wyoming, but it’s kind of nice to be [at the DNC] and feel the energy surrounding everything here,” she said.
The Wyoming delegation, although small, made its presence felt at the convention. Allyson Harvey from Ranchester described the lively atmosphere on their bus rides, where others recognized them by their spirited demeanor.
Erin O’Doherty, vice chair of the Wyoming Democratic Party, took the opportunity in Chicago to learn from other states with rural communities. “Most states have rural parts that are more like Wyoming,” she noted, mentioning leaders who effectively connect with constituents.
Vickie Goodwin showcased her long history with the convention by wearing pins and badges from previous events, indicating that 2024 marks her seventh convention experience.
State Rep. Michael Yin (D-Jackson) aimed to bridge Wyoming’s values with national ideals during the convention. “My goal as a delegate is to not only reflect the values that all Democrats share across the country but also bring forth what are Wyoming values,” he explained.
For Wyoming’s delegates, the convention offered a rare chance to express their political beliefs freely, with Harvey remarking, “In Wyoming, sometimes you want to say something out loud, and then you think, ‘Wait, I don’t want to offend anyone.’ Here, I can be who I am.”