Retired Navy SEAL and Army Ranger Ed Gallrein, a Republican, is facing Democrat Melissa Strange and Libertarian Jeremy Todd in the general election this November after defeating incumbent Congressman Thomas Massie in the GOP primary.
Gallrein launched his campaign last October, positioning himself as a close ally of President Donald Trump — a contrast to Massie, who had publicly clashed with Trump on various issues.
Upon entering the race, Trump officially endorsed Gallrein, providing the former military captain an advantage among Trump-supporting Republicans. During his visit to Hebron in early March, Trump invited Gallrein onstage at his rally.
Before the May primary, Gallrein’s only electoral experience was an unsuccessful primary run for the District 7 seat in the Kentucky State Senate, where he narrowly lost to now-Sen. Aaron Reed.
Gallrein has campaigned as an “America First” Republican closely aligned with Trump, emphasizing tax cuts, reduced federal regulation and lower government spending.
On immigration policy, Gallrein advocates stronger border enforcement by completing construction of the southern border wall and expanding funding for Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Professionally, Gallrein served in the military for 30 years, deploying across the globe from Central America to the Middle East. According to Gallrein’s campaign, he received three Bronze Star Medals, an Army Combat Parachutist Badge with a Bronze Star device and two Presidential Unit Citations during his military career. Later on, Gallrein worked as an executive coach and public speaker.
“My passion is about service,” Gallrein told LINK nky. “To give back to the people that have given so much. They deserve that, and I’m going to give that to them.”
Gallrein, originally from Simpson County, now resides on a large farm in Shelbyville near Louisville.