A public disagreement between Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and Secretary of State Chuck Gray escalated further this week following the release of the governor’s “On Brand” newsletter, Oil City News reports.
In it, Gordon criticized Gray for spreading what he described as “deceptive posts” and misinformation, particularly regarding the state’s energy policy.
Governor Gordon’s newsletter, published on Friday, addressed claims circulating on social media — some of which he attributes to Secretary Gray — suggesting that the governor’s energy strategy focuses exclusively on wind power. Gordon dismissed these claims as inaccurate and politically motivated.
“I am not going to respond to far-flung rumors or half-truths that political opportunists hurl my way,” Gordon wrote. “Typically, I have paid little attention to the insults our Secretary of State spews because they are bogus. But after Mr. Gray’s most recent social media lie suggesting my vision for Wyoming energy only includes wind power, the record needs to be set straight.”
The newsletter also alleged a broader pattern of attacks by Gray on public officials and community members, characterizing the secretary’s statements as part of a personal agenda to elevate his public profile.
In response, Secretary Gray released a video via his official Facebook page, calling the governor’s remarks “bonkers” and “very bizarre.” Gray claimed that his criticism of recent state land wind lease approvals — which he voted against — is grounded in facts and transparency.
“It’s pretty clear that I’ve gotten under his skin,” Gray said in the video. “We’ve learned over the years that he has very thin skin. And he’s upset that I’ve been out there telling the truth about these outrageously wrong wind leases.”
Gray stood by his previous social media statements, maintaining they reflect legitimate concerns about the state’s direction on land use and energy development. He highlighted his opposition to wind lease agreements recently approved by the State Board of Land Commissioners, on which Gordon and other statewide elected officials serve.
