James Byrd is a former Wyoming state representative from Cheyenne who served in the Wyoming House from 2009-2019, representing District 44 (southwest Cheyenne). He served as Minority Whip (2013-2015) and Minority Caucus Leader (2015), demonstrating legislative effectiveness in a super-minority position. The son of Liz Byrd, the first Black woman to serve in the Wyoming Legislature, James continues his family's political legacy. He holds degrees from Laramie County Community College and the University of Wyoming, and worked as a security consultant and computer network designer for major companies including British Petroleum/Amoco, American Express, and Cargill. Byrd is the first Democrat to announce a run for this Senate seat in what is Wyoming's most challenging environment for Democrats in decades.
James Byrd is from Cheyenne and is the son of Liz Byrd, a pioneering political figure who was the first Black woman to serve in the Wyoming Legislature. Liz Byrd was elected to the state House representing Laramie County in 1980, then moved to the state Senate in 1988, demonstrating strong political legacy. James attended Laramie County Community College and the University of Wyoming. Before his state legislative career (2009-2019), he worked as a security consultant and computer network designer for major corporations including British Petroleum/Amoco, American Express, and Cargill. He brought business and technology experience to his work in the legislature where he proved effective as minority party leader despite Republicans' super-majority control. His family is involved in agriculture/ranching, giving him personal stake in public lands and farming sustainability issues. Since leaving the state House in 2019, he has remained engaged in Wyoming political and community discussions.