Ed Gallrein
American politician (born 1958)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Edward Gibson Gallrein III (born April 20, 1958) is an American farmer and retired Navy SEAL officer. A member of the Republican Party, Gallrein is its nominee in the United States House of Representatives election for Kentucky's fourth congressional district in 2026.
April 20, 1958
affiliations
Ed Gallrein | |
|---|---|
Military portrait, 2023 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Edward Gibson Gallrein III April 20, 1958 Shelbyville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Party | Republican (before 2016, since 2021) |
Other political affiliations | Independent (2016–2021) |
| Spouse(s) |
Mary Stuart
(m. 1985, divorced)Heather Gallrein
(m. 2022; div. 2024) |
| Education | Centre College (attended) Murray State University (BS, MS) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
Years of service | 1984–2014 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Awards | Bronze Star Medal (3) |
Gallrein defeated Republican incumbent Thomas Massie in the most expensive primary election in U.S. congressional history, advancing to the general election against Democratic nominee Melissa Strange. Gallrein was endorsed by President Donald Trump, with the race largely seen as a referendum on Trump's second presidency amid the 2026 Iran war.
Early life and education
Edward Gibson Gallrein III[1] was born on April 20, 1958.[2][3] Gallrein was the son of Fay Hays and Edward Gallrein Jr.[1] Gallrein's father was a farmer in Logan County, Kentucky.[4]
Gallrein graduated from Franklin-Simpson High School in 1975. He attended Centre College, where he played varsity football for the Centre Colonels.[5] Gallrein then graduated from Murray State University with a bachelor's degree in 1981[6] and a master's degree in agricultural economics in 1984.[1] He played football for the Murray State Racers.[6]
Military career
By November 1985, Gallrein had become an ensign in the United States Navy and was stationed at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base.[1] He was inspired to join the military by President Ronald Reagan.[2] During his 2026 campaign, Gallrein falsely claimed to have received four Bronze Star Medals; Gallrein was awarded three.[7]
Political career
2024 Kentucky Senate campaign
On August 17, 2023, Gallrein announced that he would run in the 2024 Kentucky Senate election for the state's 7th district as a Republican.[8] By April 2024, he had garnered US$169,000, largely from operatives within the Republican Party of Kentucky, including its former chairman, Mac Brown; donor Wayne Hunt; and Michael Adams, the state's secretary of state.[9] Gallrein lost the Republican nomination to Aaron Reed by 188 votes.[10] Gallrein requested a recanvass, which reaffirmed Reed's victory.[11]
2026 U.S. House of Representatives campaign
- 50–60%
- 60–70%
- 50–60%
- 60–70%
On October 21, 2025, Ed Gallrein announced his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives for Kentucky's 4th congressional district, challenging incumbent Thomas Massie in the Republican primary. Massie had held the seat since 2012, and was considered to be popular within the district.[12]
Gallrein won the Republican nomination on May 19, 2026, 54.9%–45.1%.[13] The primary was the most expensive congressional primary in U.S. history, costing over $25 million.[14]
Political positions
Gallrein was a registered Republican until May 2016, when he left the party to become an independent. He rejoined the Republican Party in June 2021.[15]
Foreign policy
Gallrein supported the 2026 U.S. intervention in Venezuela.[16]
Personal life
Gallrein has been married twice.[7] In December 1985, he married Mary E. Stuart.[17] According to court filings, Gallrein filed to divorce his second wife, Heather Gallrein,[18] in 2024 (one month after losing the Kentucky state legislature election), abruptly telling her to "get out of his house" and cutting her off financially. Gallrein has denied the claim.[7]
According to Gallrein, he served in the military for thirty years, eventually becoming a captain.[2]
Electoral history
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Aaron Reed | 4,826 | 39.3% | |
| Republican | Ed Gallrein | 4,708 | 38.3% | |
| Republican | Adrienne E. Southworth | 2,747 | 22.3% | |
| Total votes | 12,281 | 100.0 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Ed Gallrein | 57,822 | 54.9% | |
| Republican | Thomas Massie | 47,539 | 45.1% | |
| Total votes | 105,361 | 100.0 | ||