Share and Follow
BLUFFTON, S.C. — The pilot who famously flew the final U.S. military aircraft out of Afghanistan, Alex Pelbath, is now vying for a seat in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.
Pelbath, representing the Republican party, hosted town hall meetings in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island on Tuesday, addressing local residents and sharing his vision.
A veteran Air Force pilot and a self-described “Washington outsider,” Pelbath addressed an audience of approximately 40 individuals, emphasizing his alignment with the “America First” philosophy, which supports the policies and agenda of former President Trump.
Pelbath expressed his belief that the Lowcountry needs fresh perspectives, particularly from someone outside the traditional political sphere.
“I’m the only candidate in this race with a unique resume, offering real national-level policy experience,” Pelbath stated. “Before relocating to the Lowcountry nearly a decade ago, I was at the Pentagon, specializing in budgetary and economic policy. I held a significant role in national defense policy as I worked with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Additionally, I had the privilege of leading at Joint Base Charleston, where I commanded a special operations unit, right in the area where I currently reside.”
Pelbath said he is proud of President Trump for getting a deal done to help keep the government open.
When it comes to immigration enforcement, he believes ICE is getting criminals off the streets, and their mission shouldn’t change.
“ICE is simply law enforcement, and they are rightfully enforcing the laws,” explained Pelbath. “They have been tasked with a very hard job. And I think what people forget is that people who work for ICE are regular people. They’re no different from first responders, our military members. I mean, these are people with families, right? The Democrats want to treat ICE as a nefarious organization. And the fact is, they are patriotic Americans, just like so many of us who choose to wear the uniform.”
Pelbath said he believes the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota wouldn’t happen in the Lowcountry.
“99.99% of us don’t commit felonies,” said Pelbath. “We don’t have confrontations with law enforcement. We down here in the Lowcountry and, of course, in South Carolina, proudly support the Second Amendment.”
Pelbath is one of eight declared Republican candidates for the current Congresswoman Nancy Mace’s seat.
Five democrats are also fighting for their party’s nomination.
The primary is June 9, 2026.
The general election will occur on Nov. 3, 2026.