Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL and Kentucky farmer, has announced his candidacy for the GOP primary against Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, backed by Donald Trump.
Ed Gallrein, a longtime Navy SEAL and fifth-generation farmer from Kentucky, has officially declared his candidacy for the Republican primary in the state’s 4th Congressional District. His announcement comes as he challenges incumbent Republican Rep. Thomas Massie in the upcoming election.
In a statement shared exclusively with Fox News Digital, Gallrein expressed his commitment to public service, saying, “I’ve dedicated my life to serving my country, and I’m ready to answer the call again.” He emphasized the importance of supporting President Trump, stating, “This district is Trump Country. The President doesn’t need obstacles in Congress – he needs backup. I’ll defeat Thomas Massie, stand shoulder to shoulder with President Trump, and deliver the America First results Kentuckians voted for.”
The timing of Gallrein’s campaign launch is significant, coming just four days after Trump took to social media to endorse him. In his post, Trump criticized Massie, labeling him a “Third Rate Congressman,” a “Weak and Pathetic RINO,” and a “totally ineffective LOSER who has failed us so badly.” Trump praised Gallrein as a “Brave Combat Veteran” and a “very successful Businessman,” asserting that he would “fight tirelessly to Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment” if elected.
Gallrein’s military background is impressive; he served for three decades, achieving the rank of Captain. His campaign biography highlights his time with SEAL Team SIX, during which he deployed to Panama, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He was awarded four Bronze Stars and two Presidential Unit Citations for his service.
Gallrein’s ties to Kentucky are deep-rooted. He was born and raised in the state, where his family has been farming for over a century. They built Kentucky’s largest dairy farm and Gallrein Grain Farms, which is among the state’s largest grain operations.
In response to Gallrein’s candidacy and Trump’s endorsement, Massie did not hold back. He referred to Gallrein as a “failed candidate and establishment hack,” pointing to Gallrein’s unsuccessful bid for the state Senate last year. Massie stated, “After having been rejected by every elected official in the 4th District, Trump’s consultants clearly pushed the panic button with their choice of failed candidate and establishment hack Ed Gallrein. Ed’s been begging them to pick him for over three months now.”
Trump’s focus on ousting Massie began earlier this year, primarily due to Massie’s opposition to the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a significant piece of legislation that passed through the GOP-controlled Congress largely along party lines. This bill is considered one of Trump’s major legislative achievements since returning to the White House.
Additionally, Massie has been leading an initiative, alongside Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California, to force a House floor vote on the release of the Justice Department’s files related to the late convicted sex-trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. This move has drawn scrutiny from the White House and House GOP leaders, who are working to counter it. Massie is nearing the necessary 218 signatures to compel the vote.
In June, two prominent Trump political advisers, Chris LaCivita and Tony Fabrizio, launched a super PAC aimed at defeating Massie. To date, nearly $2 million has been spent on television advertisements targeting the incumbent congressman.
Despite the challenges posed by Trump and his allies, Massie has leveraged these attacks to bolster his fundraising efforts, raising over $750,000 in the past three months, marking the best fundraising quarter of his congressional career.
Massie’s district, located in the northeastern part of Kentucky, encompasses the eastern suburbs of Louisville and the suburbs of Cincinnati.
According to Fox News, the political landscape in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District is poised for a contentious primary battle as Gallrein seeks to unseat Massie with the backing of Trump and his supporters.
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