Wyoming Supreme Court Dismisses Lawsuit Seeking to Remove Secretary of State

Laramie attorney's third attempt to challenge state officials fails in court

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Wyoming Supreme Court has dismissed a legal case brought by a Laramie attorney, Tim Newcomb, seeking to remove Secretary of State Chuck Gray from office. This marks the third time Newcomb has unsuccessfully challenged state officials in court, with previous failed attempts to contest Wyoming's voter ID law and disqualify former President Donald Trump and Senator Cynthia Lummis from appearing on state ballots.

Why it matters

The dismissal of this lawsuit upholds the authority of the Secretary of State and rejects the Laramie attorney's efforts to use the courts to remove elected officials from office on questionable constitutional grounds. It underscores the stability of Wyoming's electoral system and the state's commitment to the rule of law, even as some seek to challenge the legitimacy of state leaders through the judicial process.

The details

In his latest lawsuit, Newcomb argued that states can disqualify individuals from state offices under the 14th Amendment. However, the Wyoming Supreme Court has now tossed out Tim Newcomb v Chuck Gray, siding with the Secretary of State. Gray has previously referred to the Laramie attorney as a 'madman' and blamed the lawsuit on 'the unhinged left'.

  • In April 2022, Newcomb filed a lawsuit challenging Wyoming's voter ID law.
  • In late 2023, Newcomb filed a petition seeking to disqualify former President Donald Trump and U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis from appearing on Wyoming's ballots.
  • In January 2024, Albany County District Court Judge Misha Westby dismissed Newcomb's case against Trump and Lummis as premature.
  • Following the dismissal in 2024, Newcomb announced plans to challenge Secretary of State Chuck Gray's eligibility for office.
  • On February 19, 2026, the Wyoming Supreme Court dismissed Tim Newcomb v Chuck Gray.

The players

Tim Newcomb

A liberal Laramie attorney who has filed multiple unsuccessful lawsuits challenging state officials and election laws in Wyoming.

Chuck Gray

The current Secretary of State of Wyoming, who has referred to Newcomb as a 'madman' and blamed the latest lawsuit on 'the unhinged left'.

Misha Westby

An Albany County District Court Judge who dismissed Newcomb's 2023 case against former President Trump and Senator Lummis as premature.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by some to challenge the legitimacy of elected officials through the courts, even as the judicial system rejects such attempts. It underscores the stability and resilience of Wyoming's electoral system and the state's commitment to upholding the rule of law.