Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel and Trump Conservative Alex Pelbath today announced his campaign for Congress in South Carolina’s First Congressional District, pledging to join President Donald J. Trump in the fight to take America back.
Pelbath spent 22 years in the Air Force, flying over 4,000 hours—including more than 1,000 in combat. In August 2021, during Joe Biden’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, Pelbath was called to lead. He served as Air Mission Commander for the final evacuation from Kabul, overseeing all aircraft involved and personally flying the last American plane out.
At the Pentagon, Pelbath helped shape two national defense budgets and advised the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on global threats. He saw firsthand how weak leadership and woke ideology are undermining America’s strength—and he’s determined to stop it.
“I witnessed the devastation caused by career politicians’ weak leadership,” Pelbath said. “I never planned to run for Congress, but I can’t stand by while Washington puts politics before the mission. America needs leaders who will stand with President Trump and deliver on his effort to Make America Great Again—by ending the flow of illegal immigrants, stopping the woke nonsense in our schools and military, and fighting for an economy that works for Lowcountry families.
“In combat, mission is everything. My mission is clear: provide President Trump the reinforcements he needs, deliver leadership that makes the Lowcountry proud, and bring an outsider’s perspective to Washington. I was the last one out. But the mission’s not over.”
Alex’s extensive list of recognitions includes the Distinguished Flying Cross and the US Air Force Academy’s Sully Sullenberger Award for Courage, for which he was the first-ever recipient, along with the following medals and awards attained during his more than two decades in uniform.
A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and former Division I wrestler, Alex holds an MBA in Strategic Leadership. He lives in Mt. Pleasant, SC, where he serves on the Lowcountry Board for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Alex also serves and leads in his local church. Most importantly, he is a husband to an amazing wife and a father to two incredible children.
Alex’s recognitions and achievements:
Distinguished Flying Cross with Bronze “C” Device
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters
AirMedal
Air and Space Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Meritorious Unit Award with 4 Oak LeafClusters
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
National Defense Service Medal,
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 4 Service Stars
Iraq Campaign Medal with 1 Service Star
Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal with 2 Service Stars
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal,
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
Air and Space Longevity Service Award with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters
Air and Space Training Ribbon with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
NATO Medal
