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 | |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | University of Pennsylvania (BS) |
Chuck Gray is an American politician serving as the 24th and current Secretary of State of Wyoming since 2023, and former Acting Governor of Wyoming. A member of the Republican Party, he previously represented the 57th district in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 2017 to 2023.
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.[1]
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.[2][3]
Governor Gordon’s trip, officially framed as an economic outreach mission, included meetings and receptions in both countries but also faced scrutiny for mixing official business with personal travel.[4]
Gray’s transition into the role came with limited advance notice,[2][5] yet he maintained steady executive control, hosted public town halls in Crook and Campbell counties, and emphasized transparency and constituent engagement during the governor’s absence.[2][6]
Local observers noted Gray’s tenure as Acting Governor exemplified adherence to constitutional responsibilities and a commitment to maintaining governmental continuity during a period marked by uncertainty regarding the governor’s prolonged absence.[6]
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 2013.[7]
Career
Radio career
Prior to entering public office, Gray hosted a conservative talk radio program on KVOC-AM in Casper, Wyoming.[7]
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.[7]
As a legislator, Gray sponsored significant legislation including an ultrasound requirement prior to abortion procedures and Wyoming’s voter ID law enacted in 2021.[8] He served on several key committees, including Revenue, Judiciary, Agriculture, and Management Audit.[8]
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.[9]
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.[10]
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.[8]
Political positions
Gray has been recognized for his consistent conservative voting record and dedication to constitutional principles.[8]
Awards
Gray has received six consecutive CPAC awards for his conservative voting record and Wyoming Right to Life’s Platinum Award.[8]
References
- ^ "Wyoming Constitution – Article 4, Section 6". Wyoming Legislature. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
- ^ a b c "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.
- ^ "Governor Gordon's Asia trip raises questions about priorities". WyoFile. April 28, 2025. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
- ^ "Unexpected transition: Gray assumes acting governorship". County 17. April 18, 2025. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
- ^ a b "Gray praised for steady leadership as acting governor". Jackson Hole News. May 5, 2025. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Chuck Gray (Wyoming)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "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.
External links
- Official biography – Wyoming Secretary of State
- Ballotpedia profile