Chuck Gray (Wyoming politician)
Chuck Gray | |
|---|---|
Gray in 2025 | |
| 24th Secretary of State of Wyoming | |
| Assumed office January 2, 2023 | |
| Governor | Mark Gordon |
| Preceded by | Karl Allred |
| Member of the Wyoming House of Representatives from the 57th district | |
| In office January 10, 2017 – January 2, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Thomas Lockhart |
| Succeeded by | Jeanette Ward |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 3, 1990 |
| Party | Republican |
| Education | University of Pennsylvania (BS) |
Chuck Gray (born February 3, 1990)[1] is an American politician serving as the 24th and current Secretary of State of Wyoming since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he previously represented the 57th district in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 2017 to 2023.
Early life and education
Gray earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 2012 and relocated to Wyoming in 2012.[2]
Career
Radio career
Prior to entering public office, Gray hosted a conservative talk radio program on KVOC-AM in Casper, Wyoming.[2]
Wyoming House of Representatives (2017–2023)
Gray first ran for the Wyoming House in 2014 but was defeated in the Republican primary by incumbent Thomas Lockhart. He successfully won the seat in 2016 and was re-elected in 2018 and 2020.[2]
As a legislator, Gray sponsored significant legislation including an ultrasound requirement prior to abortion procedures and Wyoming’s voter ID law enacted in 2021.[3] He served on several key committees, including Revenue, Judiciary, Agriculture, and Management Audit.[3]
2022 congressional and Secretary of State campaigns
In 2021, Gray launched a primary challenge against U.S. Representative Liz Cheney but later withdrew after President Donald Trump endorsed Harriet Hageman.[4]
He then ran for Wyoming Secretary of State in 2022, receiving President Trump’s endorsement and defeating State Senator Tara Nethercott in the Republican primary with 48.3% of the vote. He ran unopposed in the general election.[5]
2026 congressional campaign
On December 29, 2025, Gray announced his entry into the 2026 U.S. House of Representatives election with intent to replace Harriet Hageman, who had announced her run for the U.S. Senate.[6][7]
Secretary of State of Wyoming
As Secretary of State, Gray oversees elections, business registrations, securities regulation, and serves on the State Loan and Investment Board, State Building Commission, and Board of Land Commissioners.[3]
Acting Governor of Wyoming
Wyoming’s constitution does not provide for a lieutenant governor; instead, the Secretary of State is first in the line of succession to serve as acting governor when the governor is absent from the state.[8]
From approximately April 16 to April 30, 2025, Gray served as Acting Governor while Governor Mark Gordon was on a trade mission to Japan and Taiwan.[9][10]
Awards
Gray has received six consecutive CPAC awards for his conservative voting record and Wyoming Right to Life’s Platinum Award.[3]
References
- ^ Graf, David (July 30, 2022). "Meet Your Candidates: Secretary of State". Wyoming News Now. Retrieved July 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Chuck Gray (Wyoming)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "About Secretary Chuck Gray". Wyoming Secretary of State. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
- ^ "Third Republican drops out of race to replace Cheney after Trump endorses challenger". The Hill. September 15, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
- ^ "Wyoming Secretary of State Primary Election Results". The New York Times. August 17, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
- ^ Mullen, Maggie (December 29, 2025). "Chuck Gray announces bid for U.S. House". WyoFile. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ^ Reporter, Charley Sutherland / Government (December 30, 2025). "Chuck Gray will run for Harriet Hageman's U.S. House seat". Jackson Hole News&Guide. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ^ "Title 97 - Wyoming Constitution" (PDF). State of Wyoming. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
- ^ "Chuck Gray hosting town hall series in Crook, Campbell counties". County 17. April 29, 2025. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
- ^ "Governor Gordon concludes economic diplomacy mission in Asia". Cowboy State Daily. May 1, 2025. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
External links
- Official biography – Wyoming Secretary of State
- Ballotpedia profile