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Hegseth stumps for Massie challenger in stark break from Pentagon norms

May 19, 2026Center

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hit the campaign trail on Monday to help former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein in his bid to unseat Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) in a GOP primary, a highly unusual move for any head of the Pentagon. Hegseth appeared alongside Gallrein, whom President Trump is backing against Massie, at a rally in…

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‘Private citizen’ Hegseth stumps for Thomas Massie opponent Ed Gallrein ahead of primary

Washington Examiner

May 18, 2026

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‘Private citizen’ Hegseth stumps for Thomas Massie opponent Ed Gallrein ahead of primary

War Secretary Pete Hegseth participated in a campaign rally on Monday for former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, who is running for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District against incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY). Hegseth’s participation breaks a long-held norm that defense secretaries avoid partisan politics, though his willingness to wade into partisanship has…

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