Republican Ed Gallrein has won Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, defeating Democrat Melissa Strange in the November 3 midterm election. Gallrein will succeed longtime Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, whom he defeated in a closely watched Republican primary earlier this year.

Gallrein, a fifth-generation Kentucky farmer and former Navy SEAL, entered the general election after winning the May Republican primary with approximately 55% of the vote. His victory over Massie drew national attention, particularly after President Donald Trump endorsed Gallrein and criticized the incumbent over his frequent breaks with Republican leadership.

Massie had represented the district since 2012 and developed a reputation as one of the House GOP’s most independent members. His opposition to several Republican priorities, including positions taken by Trump, made the primary a major intraparty contest.

Gallrein campaigned as a supporter of Trump while emphasizing his commitment to representing the district and upholding the Constitution. He said his priorities would include rebuilding relationships with Kentucky’s congressional delegation and working to ensure the district has a stronger voice in Washington.

The Republican nominee faced Strange, a Democrat, in a district that has remained firmly Republican in recent presidential elections. Donald Trump carried Kentucky’s 4th District with approximately 67% of the vote in 2024, compared with 31% for Kamala Harris. The district has a Cook Partisan Voting Index of R+18.

Gallrein also entered the general election with a substantial financial advantage. Federal campaign finance figures through October 14 showed his campaign had raised approximately $4.1 million, compared with roughly $157,000 for Strange.

Gallrein’s victory keeps the 4th Congressional District in Republican hands while bringing an end to Massie’s tenure in the House. His election also gives Trump another Republican representative from Kentucky as the new Congress prepares to convene in January.