Leading Republican pollster dismissed following accusations of financial mismanagement
Two company audits revealed that Chris Wilson, who has been associated with Ron DeSantis and Ted Cruz, allegedly used company funds for personal expenditures. He refutes these claims.
TroibNews 
Chris Wilson, founder and CEO of the prominent Republican polling firm WPA Intelligence, was dismissed following audits that indicated he likely misused company funds for personal expenses, as reported by two individuals with direct knowledge of the situation.
This development follows the recent firing and subsequent embezzlement charges against the firm's CFO, a claim she denies. Subsequently, WPAi leadership began scrutinizing Wilson's financial transactions, according to these sources.
To investigate the financial practices of the company, two external auditing firms were engaged, and later, two business consultants were brought in to help restructure and restore profitability, according to the sources. Wilson, who has supported presidential campaigns for Ron DeSantis and Ted Cruz, was let go on December 5 and is no longer featured on the company's website.
The financial audits indicated that over several years, Wilson utilized company resources for personal expenses, including vacations, health-related costs, and nanny services, as detailed by five knowledgeable sources. It was noted that he sometimes used WPAi funds to cover substantial portions of his personal credit card bill, which he also used for business purposes, according to two of the individuals. The audit details have not been shared with PMG.
The sources were granted anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel issues.
Ryan Leonard, Wilson’s attorney, described the allegations leading to his firing as "defamatory and false."
“Chris’s former business partners at WPAi at all times had complete transparency into all aspects of the business, including every single business transaction,” he stated. “The timing of these allegations is particularly surprising given that, following the completion of a recent audit, Chris was actually given a raise. While Chris recently left the company following the election, he wishes his former team members at WPAi all the best.”
Before his termination, Wilson expressed confidence in a text message, asserting that “my record of ethical leadership and professional achievement speaks for itself.”
He explained, “When you run a company, business and personal sometimes become intertwined,” highlighting that he paid the full salaries of all WPAi employees at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic from his personal account to avoid layoffs.
WPAi financed some trips for Wilson’s wife to accompany him due to his medical condition following a stroke a few years ago, which his doctor advised against overnight trips alone, according to a colleague.
A spokesperson for WPAi stated that the firm couldn't comment on what it termed “ongoing litigation,” but added, “[I]t’s clear that Mr. Wilson has not been forthcoming about the circumstances leading to his departure. We are focused on moving forward and are relieved that this challenging chapter is behind us.” The spokesperson refrained from commenting on the specifics of the litigation.
A representative for Axiom Strategies, a major Republican consulting firm owned by Jeff Roe and a minority investor in WPAi, declined to comment.
Earlier this year, Wilson reportedly used WPAi funds to pay an employee from his real estate business, Carver Management, to fulfill a full-time role at that firm, according to two sources familiar with the situation. Documentation reviewed by PMG confirmed that this employee worked full-time for Carver. WPAi also reportedly rents office space in Edmond, Oklahoma, from Carver Management, per local real estate records.
Three individuals with direct knowledge stated that there were unexpected fund transfers from WPAi to Carver this year, including $40,000 in April and $20,000 in September. Additionally, WPAi covered expenses related to Carver, including insurance and building association dues, according to two sources.
In response, Wilson explained that WPAi has been paying a “highly reduced price per square foot” for rent from his firm and asserted that Carver incurs losses on the property monthly. He clarified that the employee working for Carver was compensated by that firm, not WPAi.
Such expenses have negatively impacted the company's financial position over the past year, according to three sources. Some vendors have faced delayed payments, while bonuses for non-sales staff have been late for multiple quarters and completely absent in one quarter, triggering employee dissatisfaction as bonuses are a considerable part of their income during election cycles.
WPAi, established by Wilson in 1998, has been engaged by numerous Republican entities in the recent electoral cycle, including the Congressional Leadership Fund, National Republican Senatorial Committee, and representatives Jen Kiggans and Stephanie Bice, as reflected in FEC records.
Wilson's termination follows the dismissal of CFO Catherine Gryder in November 2023 due to her alleged misuse of company funds, as indicated by two individuals acquainted with the events. She was dismissed shortly after her fiancé sought payment for a painting job at the firm, which was deemed unnecessary, prompting concern among WPAi staff and launching an internal investigation.
Subsequently, Wilson reported the matter to the police, leading to Gryder being charged with felony embezzlement exceeding $1,000 in June. She has pleaded not guilty and was present in court late November as the case proceeds, according to court documents. A police report indicated that Gryder admitted to misappropriating over $11,000 but intended to repay it and subsequently sent a $16,000 check to Wilson's attorney. This incident had not been previously disclosed.
Gryder’s lawyer did not provide comments regarding the matter.
Wilson opted not to address the specifics of Gryder's case, stating it is an ongoing criminal issue. He previously remarked, “This has been the most challenging experience of my professional career. Throughout this ordeal, I have strived to act in accordance with my faith and uphold my personal integrity. My primary focus has been, and continues to be, shielding our employees and clients from any fallout. I remain unwavering in my commitment to these principles.”
The police report noted that Gryder had allegedly misappropriated funds and utilized a WPAi business account to cover personal expenses such as insurance and phone bills.
“There was a lot of moving money around and trying to hide what she was doing,” stated Bill Simmons, who was COO of WPAi when the incidents occurred and left the role at the end of August.
This incident marked the second time Gryder allegedly engaged in such behavior with one of Wilson’s companies. In 2019, she reportedly charged approximately $17,000 to $18,000 for items from Apple’s music store on a business credit card belonging to one of Wilson's firms.
“Chris, being who he is, tried to work with this person, offer a sense of forgiveness and try to keep moving forward, but the second time was so egregious, there was just no opportunity,” noted Simmons. “So once we discovered it, she was fired immediately.”
Gryder’s sparse LinkedIn profile, still listing her maiden name Catie Ross, describes her as a “Christian. Mom. Wife. Aunt” with extensive experience in the accounting industry.
Wilson faced previous professional challenges two decades ago when he was let go by his polling firm's parent company, Qorvis, amid allegations of “stealing corporate secrets and cash while plotting to launch a competing firm," charges he denied in a case that was ultimately settled. In 2021, he was sued by his ex-wife, who claimed he continued to improperly utilize a data software platform for collecting voter data acquired during their divorce.
Wilson is contesting those allegations in court, and Leonard, his attorney, stressed that “the lawsuit has no bearing” on the facts at hand.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
This development follows the recent firing and subsequent embezzlement charges against the firm's CFO, a claim she denies. Subsequently, WPAi leadership began scrutinizing Wilson's financial transactions, according to these sources.
To investigate the financial practices of the company, two external auditing firms were engaged, and later, two business consultants were brought in to help restructure and restore profitability, according to the sources. Wilson, who has supported presidential campaigns for Ron DeSantis and Ted Cruz, was let go on December 5 and is no longer featured on the company's website.
The financial audits indicated that over several years, Wilson utilized company resources for personal expenses, including vacations, health-related costs, and nanny services, as detailed by five knowledgeable sources. It was noted that he sometimes used WPAi funds to cover substantial portions of his personal credit card bill, which he also used for business purposes, according to two of the individuals. The audit details have not been shared with PMG.
The sources were granted anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel issues.
Ryan Leonard, Wilson’s attorney, described the allegations leading to his firing as "defamatory and false."
“Chris’s former business partners at WPAi at all times had complete transparency into all aspects of the business, including every single business transaction,” he stated. “The timing of these allegations is particularly surprising given that, following the completion of a recent audit, Chris was actually given a raise. While Chris recently left the company following the election, he wishes his former team members at WPAi all the best.”
Before his termination, Wilson expressed confidence in a text message, asserting that “my record of ethical leadership and professional achievement speaks for itself.”
He explained, “When you run a company, business and personal sometimes become intertwined,” highlighting that he paid the full salaries of all WPAi employees at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic from his personal account to avoid layoffs.
WPAi financed some trips for Wilson’s wife to accompany him due to his medical condition following a stroke a few years ago, which his doctor advised against overnight trips alone, according to a colleague.
A spokesperson for WPAi stated that the firm couldn't comment on what it termed “ongoing litigation,” but added, “[I]t’s clear that Mr. Wilson has not been forthcoming about the circumstances leading to his departure. We are focused on moving forward and are relieved that this challenging chapter is behind us.” The spokesperson refrained from commenting on the specifics of the litigation.
A representative for Axiom Strategies, a major Republican consulting firm owned by Jeff Roe and a minority investor in WPAi, declined to comment.
Earlier this year, Wilson reportedly used WPAi funds to pay an employee from his real estate business, Carver Management, to fulfill a full-time role at that firm, according to two sources familiar with the situation. Documentation reviewed by PMG confirmed that this employee worked full-time for Carver. WPAi also reportedly rents office space in Edmond, Oklahoma, from Carver Management, per local real estate records.
Three individuals with direct knowledge stated that there were unexpected fund transfers from WPAi to Carver this year, including $40,000 in April and $20,000 in September. Additionally, WPAi covered expenses related to Carver, including insurance and building association dues, according to two sources.
In response, Wilson explained that WPAi has been paying a “highly reduced price per square foot” for rent from his firm and asserted that Carver incurs losses on the property monthly. He clarified that the employee working for Carver was compensated by that firm, not WPAi.
Such expenses have negatively impacted the company's financial position over the past year, according to three sources. Some vendors have faced delayed payments, while bonuses for non-sales staff have been late for multiple quarters and completely absent in one quarter, triggering employee dissatisfaction as bonuses are a considerable part of their income during election cycles.
WPAi, established by Wilson in 1998, has been engaged by numerous Republican entities in the recent electoral cycle, including the Congressional Leadership Fund, National Republican Senatorial Committee, and representatives Jen Kiggans and Stephanie Bice, as reflected in FEC records.
Wilson's termination follows the dismissal of CFO Catherine Gryder in November 2023 due to her alleged misuse of company funds, as indicated by two individuals acquainted with the events. She was dismissed shortly after her fiancé sought payment for a painting job at the firm, which was deemed unnecessary, prompting concern among WPAi staff and launching an internal investigation.
Subsequently, Wilson reported the matter to the police, leading to Gryder being charged with felony embezzlement exceeding $1,000 in June. She has pleaded not guilty and was present in court late November as the case proceeds, according to court documents. A police report indicated that Gryder admitted to misappropriating over $11,000 but intended to repay it and subsequently sent a $16,000 check to Wilson's attorney. This incident had not been previously disclosed.
Gryder’s lawyer did not provide comments regarding the matter.
Wilson opted not to address the specifics of Gryder's case, stating it is an ongoing criminal issue. He previously remarked, “This has been the most challenging experience of my professional career. Throughout this ordeal, I have strived to act in accordance with my faith and uphold my personal integrity. My primary focus has been, and continues to be, shielding our employees and clients from any fallout. I remain unwavering in my commitment to these principles.”
The police report noted that Gryder had allegedly misappropriated funds and utilized a WPAi business account to cover personal expenses such as insurance and phone bills.
“There was a lot of moving money around and trying to hide what she was doing,” stated Bill Simmons, who was COO of WPAi when the incidents occurred and left the role at the end of August.
This incident marked the second time Gryder allegedly engaged in such behavior with one of Wilson’s companies. In 2019, she reportedly charged approximately $17,000 to $18,000 for items from Apple’s music store on a business credit card belonging to one of Wilson's firms.
“Chris, being who he is, tried to work with this person, offer a sense of forgiveness and try to keep moving forward, but the second time was so egregious, there was just no opportunity,” noted Simmons. “So once we discovered it, she was fired immediately.”
Gryder’s sparse LinkedIn profile, still listing her maiden name Catie Ross, describes her as a “Christian. Mom. Wife. Aunt” with extensive experience in the accounting industry.
Wilson faced previous professional challenges two decades ago when he was let go by his polling firm's parent company, Qorvis, amid allegations of “stealing corporate secrets and cash while plotting to launch a competing firm," charges he denied in a case that was ultimately settled. In 2021, he was sued by his ex-wife, who claimed he continued to improperly utilize a data software platform for collecting voter data acquired during their divorce.
Wilson is contesting those allegations in court, and Leonard, his attorney, stressed that “the lawsuit has no bearing” on the facts at hand.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
