Trump Conservative retired Air Force colonel enters 2026 congressional race
Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Alex Pelbath has officially launched his Republican campaign in South Carolina’s First Congressional District. Pelbath, who led the final American evacuation flights out of Afghanistan four years ago, is running to succeed three-term GOP Rep. Nancy Mace, who is aiming to become the governor of South Carolina rather than seek re-election.
Describing himself as a “Trump Conservative,” Pelbath is focused on providing President Trump with the support he needs, delivering strong leadership to the Lowcountry, and bringing a fresh perspective to Washington. With 22 years of experience in the Air Force, including over 4,000 flight hours and extensive combat experience, Pelbath is no stranger to challenging missions.
During the tumultuous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan under President Biden’s administration, Pelbath served as the Air Mission Commander for the final evacuation from Kabul. He oversaw all aircraft involved and personally flew the last American plane out of the country. Despite the challenges and chaos of the evacuation, Pelbath remains steadfast in his commitment to serving his country.
Pelbath’s campaign emphasizes his role in shaping defense budgets and advising top military officials during his time at the Pentagon. He is determined to bring strong, principled leadership to Congress and stand with President Trump to advance the agenda of Making America Great Again. From immigration reform to education policy to economic prosperity, Pelbath is dedicated to representing the interests of Lowcountry families.
A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Pelbath resides in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, with his wife and two children. He joins businessman and politician Marvin “Mark” Smith in the race for the Republican nomination in South Carolina’s First Congressional District.
As Pelbath and other candidates gear up for the 2026 elections, the political landscape in South Carolina is heating up. With Rep. Nancy Mace’s bid for governor and a crowded field of Republican candidates vying for the nomination, the state is set for an exciting and competitive election season.
Stay tuned for more updates on Pelbath’s campaign and other key races in South Carolina as the 2026 midterms draw closer. And don’t forget to download the Fox News app for the latest news and analysis on the political developments across the country.
