Will there be a sign change after the election? (Photo provided by DCStockPhotography)
November 19, 2025
By David Codrea, Politics Field Editor
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President Donald Trump has endorsed retired Navy SEAL, farmer and businessman Ed Gallrein to run against incumbent Kentucky 4th Congressional District Rep. Thomas Massie in the 2026 Republican primary. Gallrein, Trump declared, would “…defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”
That’s the focus of this article, not any other policy issues or the reasons Trump wants to end Massie’s political career, nor Massie’s reasons for opposing parts of the president’s agenda. When it comes to the Second Amendment, Massie’s record has been consistent and clear, and in the interests of full disclosure, given favorable coverage in this magazine.
Gallrein’s position on the right to keep and bear arms has been less clear, and something 4th District gun voters will need to understand in order to ensure their interests are best represented.
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Prior to Trump’s announcement and his official entry into the race, Gallrein’s Second Amendment commentary has been sparse. Since his declaration to run, Gallrein has presented himself as "100% pro-life and pro-Second Amendment," and his campaign website specifically proclaims he will “Defend Our Gun Rights - The Second Amendment is under constant attack from the radical left. As a lifelong defender of freedom and warrior for our Nation, Gallrein will protect our right to keep and bear arms without compromise.”
What does that really mean, though? How will he defend, protect and advance the Second Amendment? With Massie, we have specifics, and we have a record to assess how his actions match his words.
Firearms News contacted the Gallrein campaign’s press office with a determination of finding out.
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“I am Politics Field Editor for Firearms News (previously Shotgun News) a monthly U.S. magazine that has been sold since 1946 and enjoys broad gun owner readership across the country. With your recent entry into Kentucky's 4th District Congressional race, our readers would be interested to know more about your commitment to the Second Amendment,” I wrote. “I have seen the general statement on your campaign website, but would like to flesh it out, and have some specific questions about your views on the Second Amendment and legislation you would be willing to sponsor and support. Please advise if I may send them to you.”
“Thanks for reaching out,” a reply from press@edgallrein.com responded within two hours. “Ed is a big supporter of the Second Amendment – please feel free to send those questions over when you have a chance!”
“Thank you. Below are the questions. Please let me know what you think is a reasonable amount of time to respond,” I replied.
“What I try to do with these things is show readers a politician will go beyond platitudes and demonstrate an understanding of concerns and developments the constituents are expressing and following,” I elaborated. “Please advise if Mr. Gallrein would like anything clarified or elaborated on. Otherwise, I'll wait for his responses, and I appreciate his interest and consideration.”
The questions follow:
Are you a gun owner? If so, for how long? What types of firearms do you own? Are you a member of any gun rights groups, and if so for how long? Why did the Framers include the Second Amendment in the Bill of Rights? Should these rights be proactively protected from infringement by all levels of government, including city, county and state? And what should Congress do to “provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia” as empowered by the Constitution? The Supreme Court’s decision in NYSRPA v. Bruen established a standard that gun laws must be consistent with the nation's "historical tradition of firearm regulation." Is there anything Congress can do to provide a check and balance on partisan judges who disregard that and rule in favor of infringements? Please give some examples of gun laws you consider constitutional and gun laws you consider unconstitutional. What is your position on nationwide reciprocity/recognition of concealed carry permits between states, does the right to bear arms include the right for any peaceable citizen to carry them openly or concealed without a permit and how will you lead efforts to enact such legislation? Do you believe that Americans have a right to own, use and carry firearms of military/militia utility? Are National Firearms Act registration and tax requirements infringements on the right of the people to keep and bear arms? What can/should Congress do about so-called “gun-free zones,” including in schools, and should it support programs like FASTER (Faculty/Administrator Safety Training & Emergency Response) that equip designated staff with the skills to be immediate first responders and use a firearm to stop an attacker before law enforcement can arrive? What specific gun laws will you work to enact? What laws will you work to repeal? AG Pam Bondi has announced a plan to protect the Second Amendment, yet there are still proposed rules and legal cases where the government is arguing that select infringements are Constitutional. What kind of role could Congress play to advise the administration of gun owner constituent concerns, so they are factored into ATF/DOJ positions and decisions before they are executed? Realizing priorities and activities for a new campaign are time-consuming, Firearms News appreciates that a reply came two weeks later.
Here is Mr. Gallrein’s unedited response:
"My view of the Second Amendment is straightforward: the Second Amendment is absolute and non-negotiable. It must be proactively protected from infringement.
Throughout the last several years we have seen partisan, activist judges attempt to water down or even make the Second Amendment obsolete. We have a duty as a citizenry and a country to ensure that never happens. President Trump has done an excellent job of highlighting these kinds of radical judges. To curb their influence and power, Congress must take proactive steps by passing laws that protect and shield the Second Amendment from these rogue judicial actors.
Despite having the toughest, most radical gun control laws in the country, many of our major liberal cities continue seeing spikes in crime. I support a nationwide recognition and reciprocity of concealed carry between states and jurisdictions. I also support trained, qualified and designated staff in our schools being able to use a firearm to stop attacks and protect our students and staff.
I am the proud owner of:
AR 15 243 w/ Scope Springfield Armory US SOCOM Special Edition M14 Short Barrel Assault Rifle Remington 870 12 gauge Pump Shotgun short barrel Remington 870 12 gauge Pump Shotgun long barrel Remington Auto Shotgun Long Barrel Singleshot 22 Target Master Collectors Remington Lever Action 22 Rifle Enfield Rifle 1800’s Vintage from Afghanistan Military Surplus 45 Cal pistol WW2 Vintage Glock 19 Beretta 92F 22 Revolver 38 Caliber Revolver 357 Magnum 22 Targetmaster Pistol Marlin lever action 22 rifle Remington Model 700/243 caliber with scope I am a proud member of:
About the Author Firearms News and AmmoLand Shooting Sports News, he blogs at “The War on Guns: Notes from the Resistance ,” and posts on Twitter: @dcodrea and Facebook.
