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In a significant political move, President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate to oppose Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) in the Republican primary officially launched his campaign on Tuesday.
Ed Gallrein has declared himself as a contender for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District seat, directly challenging the incumbent Massie, who has increasingly diverged from Trump’s America First policies.
“Throughout my career, I’ve committed myself to serving our nation, and I’m more than ready to step up once more,” Gallrein stated. “This district fervently supports Trump. The President doesn’t need hindrances in Congress; he requires steadfast allies. I am determined to unseat Thomas Massie, align closely with President Trump, and deliver the America First outcomes that Kentuckians expect.”
As previously reported by Breitbart News, Trump has actively encouraged Gallrein to contest Massie in the upcoming primary. In a Friday post on Truth Social, Trump pledged his “Complete and Total Endorsement” if Gallrein entered the race.
Trump did not hold back in his criticism, labeling Massie as “third rate” and a “Weak and Pathetic RINO” who “must be ousted from office immediately!”
“The incredible people of Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District gave us a mandate to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and the person that will help us do that is Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Fifth Generation Kentucky Farmer, Captain Ed Gallrein, a true America First Patriot,” Trump said, making clear that should Gallrein decide to run, he would have “my Complete and Total Endorsement.”
“RUN, ED, RUN — MAGA!” Trump added.
Gallrein’s campaign touts his deep roots in Kentucky, stating his family has farmed there for over 100 years – building the state’s largest dairy farm and Gallrein Grain Farms, one of Kentucky’s largest grain operations.
The campaign’s statement says Gallrein was inspired by President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s to become a Navy SEAL officer, serving for three decades and rising to the rank of Captain. He served multiple times on SEAL Team Six, deploying in Panama, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and earned four Bronze Stars, including the Combat Parachute Badge for leadership and actions in a combat zone, along with two Presidential Unit Citations for his unit’s extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy.
Gallrein did not spare words when attacking Massie’s record of voting against Trump.
“Thomas Massie has become one of the biggest roadblocks to President Trump’s America First agenda,” Gallrein said in his statement. “When Trump fought for historic tax cuts, Massie voted no. When Trump tried to fully fund border security, Massie stood in the way. President Trump endorsed me because Kentuckians deserve a Congressman who will stand with our President, not against him.”
Massie’s campaign account on X has used Gallrein’s announcement to aggressively solicit donations.
With Gallrein in the race, Massie will need every penny.
Bradley Jaye is Deputy Political Editor for Breitbart News. Follow him on X/Twitter and Instagram @BradleyAJaye.
