Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL and fifth-generation Kentucky farmer, announced his candidacy for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District on Tuesday, aiming to unseat Republican Rep. Thomas Massie in the GOP primary. Gallrein, who has the backing of former President Donald Trump, framed his campaign as a fight for the future of the district and the nation.
What Happened
Gallrein, 56, declared his candidacy with a statement shared first with Fox News Digital, emphasizing his long history of service to the country. “I’ve dedicated my life to serving my country, and I’m ready to answer the call again,” Gallrein said, highlighting his military service as well as his deep ties to Kentucky farming. He criticized Massie, a frequent critic of Trump during his second term, stating, “This district is Trump Country. The President doesn’t need obstacles in Congress – he needs backup.”
Gallrein’s campaign launch follows a public endorsement from Trump, who took to social media last week to praise Gallrein as a “Brave Combat Veteran” and “very successful Businessman.” Trump called Massie a “Third Rate Congressman” and labeled him a “Weak and Pathetic RINO” (Republican In Name Only), asserting that Massie has been ineffective in representing the district’s interests.
Gallrein’s Background
Gallrein served for three decades in the U.S. Navy, rising to the rank of captain. He was a member of SEAL Team SIX and served multiple deployments, including in Panama, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Gallrein earned four Bronze Stars and two Presidential Unit Citations throughout his career. He also has deep roots in Kentucky, where his family has been farming for over a century. Gallrein is also part of the Gallrein Grain Farms, one of the state’s largest grain operations.
Massie’s Response and the Backlash
Massie, who has represented Kentucky’s 4th District for seven terms, responded to Trump’s endorsement of Gallrein by calling him a “failed candidate and establishment hack.” He criticized Gallrein for his unsuccessful run for the state Senate in 2024, asserting that Gallrein had been rejected by every elected official in the district. Massie also dismissed the idea that he was under threat, claiming that Trump’s consultants had “pushed the panic button” in selecting Gallrein as his challenger.
Trump vs. Massie
The tension between Trump and Massie began earlier this year when Massie opposed key legislation championed by Trump, including the “one, big beautiful bill,” a sweeping GOP legislative package passed by Congress in the summer. Additionally, Massie is leading a push, alongside Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, to force a vote on the release of documents related to the late convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, which has earned the ire of both the White House and House GOP leaders.
Trump and his allies have targeted Massie with a super PAC, spending nearly $2 million on TV ads aimed at defeating the incumbent. However, Massie has used the attacks to boost his fundraising, raising more than $750,000 in the past quarter—his best fundraising haul to date.
Massie’s District
Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District covers the northeastern part of the state, including Louisville’s eastern suburbs and the Kentucky suburbs of Cincinnati. Gallrein’s challenge to Massie, backed by Trump’s vocal support, is expected to make the race one of the most closely watched GOP primaries in Kentucky.
Closing Line
This story may be updated as the primary race continues to develop. Stay tuned for further updates on Gallrein’s challenge to Rep. Massie.
