Gallrein Projected to Take Kentucky 4th from Massie
The retired Navy SEAL defeated Democrat Melissa Strange and Libertarian Jeremy Todd, leading by 29 points with a partial count.
By Tessa Cooper ·
Ed Gallrein leads by 29 percentage points in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District race, according to Decision Desk HQ. The projection stands at 59 percent for Gallrein versus 30 percent for Democrat Melissa Strange as of 6:20 p.m. EST on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Libertarian Jeremy Todd also ran in the three-way contest.
Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL and farmer, secured the Republican nomination in May. He defeated the incumbent, Representative Thomas Massie, with 54.9 percent of the primary vote to Massie’s 45.1 percent. President Donald Trump endorsed Gallrein and campaigned in his support during the weeks prior to the general election.
The general election follows a primary that marked a sharp division within the district’s Republican base. Massie has frequently clashed with the White House on key issues. He backed resolutions to limit presidential war powers regarding Iran and led efforts to force the Department of Justice to release Jeffrey Epstein files. He also voted against party-backed spending bills.
Gallrein positions himself as a closer ally to the administration. His campaign materials state he supports finishing the border wall and providing funds for Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He also opposes what he calls a “woke” agenda.
In an interview with KET last month, Gallrein described his motivation for running. He said he answered the president’s call to serve the district, the party, and the nation. Gallrein stated that he prayed on the decision before declaring his candidacy on October 21, 2025.
When asked if he would pledge blind loyalty to Trump, Gallrein said his allegiance is to the Constitution and the Lord. He noted that his military oath and congressional oath both swear to those two things. He added that he answers to the people he serves.
The results come as the district transitions from a seat held by a vocal critic of the president to one held by a Trump-backed candidate. The final certification of the winner is pending the completion of the vote count.
