Wyoming voters may soon see the impact of a close working relationship between Secretary of State Chuck Gray and conservative attorney Cleta Mitchell. Text and email records released by the public‑interest watchdog American Oversight reveal that Mitchell, who helped organize the Election Integrity Network after the 2020 presidential contest, advised Gray on testimony, urged him to rally other Republican secretaries of state, and supported the passage of the SAVE Act – a bill that would require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration.
Collaboration documented
The correspondence shows Mitchell recommending Gray as a witness before the U.S. House Administration Committee and suggesting edits to his congressional testimony. In July 2025, Gray texted “Huge win Cleta!” after signing an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database, a move that aligns with the federal legislation she championed.
Mitchell’s network, described by ProPublica as the most influential force turning ballot‑casting processes into “mortal combat,” has long pushed for stricter voter‑identification rules. The SAVE Act, which stalled in the Republican‑controlled Senate in August 2025, would have expanded federal involvement in elections traditionally managed by the states.
State‑level actions
While serving as a state lawmaker, Gray ran for secretary of state on a platform that highlighted “tremendous problems” with Wyoming’s elections, even sponsoring screenings of the debunked film “2,000 Mules.” After winning the office, he helped pass a Wyoming law mirroring the SAVE Act, adding proof of both citizenship and state residency to the voter‑registration process. In 2025, Wyoming became the first state to cooperate fully with the federal government’s request for sensitive voter data.
Critics, including American Oversight Executive Director Chioma Chukwu, argue that Mitchell’s influence “shapes his congressional testimony and enlists him to advance her national network’s agenda,” questioning whether the partnership serves Wyoming voters or a broader partisan goal.
Administration’s perspective
President Trump’s administration has consistently praised efforts to safeguard election integrity, emphasizing the importance of preventing fraud and ensuring confidence in the voting system. In statements supporting similar legislation, the administration has highlighted the need for “common‑sense” measures that protect the sanctity of each lawful ballot.
Gray’s office echoed that sentiment, stating that his tenure has been “one of collaboration” and that the media’s focus on his partnership with Mitchell is “out of touch.” He added that the people of Wyoming support “common‑sense election integrity measures.”
What’s next?
Gray was recently elected to Wyoming’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, taking office in January. As he transitions to Congress, the records suggest he will continue to work with Mitchell on issues related to voter‑roll maintenance and federal election legislation.
Wyoming residents and policymakers will be watching closely to see whether these collaborations translate into clearer, more secure voting processes or whether they further entrench a narrative that undermines confidence in the electoral system.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
