David Giralt, a proud Casper native and U.S. Army Ranger, announced his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives last week. David pledged to fight for Wyoming’s conservative values with the same courage and commitment he showed in uniform.

He has vowed to stand up to Washington’s federal overreach and fight to secure America’s energy independence, economic freedom, and national strength rooted in faith, family, and freedom.

“I never saw myself as a politician, just someone who wanted to serve,” said Giralt. “I thought I’d serve my country, come home, and maybe help out behind the scenes. But when I look at what’s at stake for Wyoming families and how chaotic the world has become, I realize sitting on the sidelines isn’t an option. Wyoming needs a doer, not a talker. Someone who knows what can be done and can deliver actual results.”

Growing up in Casper, David was shaped by his parents, Cuban and Costa Rican immigrants who came to America with little but built a life rooted in hard work, faith and gratitude for the country that gave their family a chance. That appreciation was contagious.

But the Giralt brothers were shaped not just by their parents but also by neighbors like Paul and Lois Graff, a Vietnam veteran and the school librarian at Fairdale Elementary, who embodied the kind of quiet, community-minded service that defines Wyoming at its best.

“I remember picking up books in grade school about Army Rangers, Green Berets and Navy SEALs,” Giralt said.

“I mean, the opportunity to shoot guns, jump out of airplanes and slog through the mud under night vision goggles with some of the most patriotic Americans you’ve ever met…it doesn’t get better than that. But it was more than just the thrill of the adventure. My parents’ appreciation for this country influenced me heavily. I knew I wanted to serve, especially while our country was at war.”

After earning his Eagle Scout and graduating from Kelly Walsh High School, David commissioned as an Army officer and completed U.S. Army Ranger School. He served 12 years on active duty, including with the 75th Ranger Regiment, one of the Army’s most elite special operations units, and the 82nd Airborne Division, the All-American Division.

David deployed twice to Afghanistan and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his leadership. “Ranger School, the Regiment, and deploying to combat made me a better man,” he said. “I deeply appreciate the opportunity to serve the country that gave my family everything.”

But his deployments also opened his eyes to Washington’s dysfunction:

“On my last deployment, I remember being frustrated by how disconnected politicians were. They’d characterize the war in ways that didn’t match reality or use soldiers and veterans as political talking points,” Giralt said.

“I was devastated by the disaster of the Afghanistan withdrawal under President Biden. I saw the difference between that chaos and President Trump’s targeted, precision strikes and limited military operations.”

After being honorably discharged, David served as Policy Advisor to U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis, where he advised on agriculture, trade, homeland security, defense and intelligence policy.

David met his wife Alexandra at a legislative briefing about precursor chemicals from China being used in fentanyl. “Alex took the only open seat in the room, which was luckily right next to me. So, I muddled through a conversation, and I think she found me funny,” he said with a laugh. “The rest, as they say, is history.”

The couple attends St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Casper and are building their life in Wyoming.

“One of the things that’s most important to me is making Wyoming a place that encourages young families want to move and live,” David said. “That means creating jobs with growth potential, starter homes, and opportunities for kids to play sports, join civic groups, and be part of a strong community. If the federal government cares about families, they should get out of the way and let Wyoming thrive.”

“What bothers me, and many others, about politics is watching people treat elected office like a stepping stone to the next thing. I served in the Army for 12 years, through the conclusion of our nation’s longest war, because you don’t quit before the mission’s complete. But I see politicians now who are already angling for their next job before they’ve finished the one voters entrusted to them. That’s not service, that’s just selfish ambition. My entire mentality is mission first, finish what you start, and deliver for the people counting on you.”

David holds an MBA with a concentration in Energy Management from the University of Wyoming.