10/12/2026
Yes, best to hear directly from the candidates!
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Lisa Kinney, the Democratic nominee for Wyoming’s U.S. House seat, today issued a public challenge to Republican nominee Chuck Gray to participate in a general-election debate, saying Wyoming voters deserve the opportunity to hear directly from all candidates before casting their ballots in November. “PBS has invited Gray to participate in a public debate but, as of today, Gray has not accepted the invitation.”
“How can people choose their candidate if the public is not given the opportunity to hear them debate the issues facing our state and nation?” Kinney posed to the press.
In response to questions on why a debate is essential in this race, Kinney noted “Wyoming doesn’t need someone who simply echoes national talking points and whose loyalty is Washington, not Wyoming, but rather someone who knows the issues and has practical and pragmatic solutions to the problems facing Wyoming. Gray simply lacks the practical knowledge to compete on the issues, so he stays at a national level without specific details to any of his positions.” While Mr. Gray continually stands behind his “proven track record,” little has been presented to the Wyoming people of what that track record really is and what he stands for.
Kinney’s message, in stark contrast to Gray, focuses on specific legislative actions she intends to champion in Congress. Kinney states, “Everywhere I go, the people of Wyoming make clear that the priorities are healthcare, housing, protecting public land, rural healthcare, AI data centers and the serious problems AI poses. I have made these the priorities for my campaign because they are the issues that matter to the people of Wyoming."
Chuck Gray did not fare well in the debates leading up to the Republican primary. Is Mr. Gray avoiding a debate because of his disasterous debate performances during the primary race?
"It is for this reason that I am making a public challenge to Mr. Gray to meet me on the stage for a public debate where the people of Wyoming can observe the character, knowledge, and leadership of the candidates,” said Kinney. As one colleague noted, “Debates serve voters and the democratic process when the candidates participate, and voters have the opportunity to compare positions on the issues.”
Kinney summarized with the challenge, “The ball is in your court now, Mr. Gray.”
