Brian Mast

Brian Mast
Born	Brian Jeffrey Mast 10 7, 1980
Birthplace	Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician, U.S. Army veteran
Known for	U.S. Representative for Florida's 21st congressional district; Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; combat-wounded veteran
Education	Harvard University (ALB)
Children	4
Awards	Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart
Website	[mast.house.gov Official site]

Brian Jeffrey Mast (born July 10, 1980) is an American politician and United States Army veteran serving as the U.S. representative for Florida's 21st congressional district since 2017. A member of the Republican Party, Mast represents a district that encompasses the Treasure Coast and northern portions of Palm Beach County, Florida. Before the 2020 redistricting cycle, the district was numbered as Florida's 18th congressional district. As of January 2025, Mast serves as the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. A veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, Mast served as an explosive ordnance disposal technician in Afghanistan, where in 2010 he lost both legs in a blast caused by an improvised explosive device. For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. Now in his fifth term in the U.S. House, Mast has built a legislative profile centered on veterans' affairs, foreign policy, environmental protection of Florida waterways, and national security.

Early Life

Brian Jeffrey Mast was born on July 10, 1980, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He grew up in the Grand Rapids area of western Michigan. In 2000, at the age of 20, Mast enlisted in the United States Army, beginning a military career that would span more than a decade and take him to some of the most dangerous combat zones in the world.

Mast served in the U.S. Army from 2000 to 2011, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was assigned to the 28th Ordnance Company, where he specialized in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), one of the most hazardous military occupational specialties in the armed forces. EOD technicians are tasked with identifying, disarming, and disposing of explosive threats including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), unexploded ordnance, and other munitions.

During his military career, Mast deployed multiple times, including service under Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He also served under the authority of the Joint Special Operations Command and worked alongside the 75th Ranger Regiment.

On September 19, 2010, while conducting operations in Afghanistan, Mast was critically wounded when an IED detonated. The blast resulted in the loss of both of his legs and a finger on his left hand. He was evacuated and underwent extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. For his service and valor, Mast was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, among other decorations. He was medically retired from the Army in 2011 after more than a decade of service.

Following his retirement from the military, Mast relocated to Florida, settling in the Treasure Coast area. In 2013, he received the keys to a specially built, mortgage-free home designed for his needs as a double amputee, provided through a partnership involving the nonprofit organization Building Homes for Heroes.

Education

Brian Mast attended Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts (ALB) degree through the university's Extension School. He pursued his education while recovering from his combat injuries and transitioning out of military service. His decision to attend Harvard came as part of a broader effort to prepare for a career in public service following his military retirement.

During his recovery, Mast also volunteered with the Israel Defense Forces as an EOD expert, lending his specialized skills in a non-combat capacity, an experience that shaped his views on foreign policy and national security.

Career

Military Career

Mast's military career spanned from 2000 to 2011 in the United States Army. Serving as an explosive ordnance disposal technician, he was trained to handle some of the most dangerous tasks in the military, including the identification and neutralization of IEDs, which were one of the primary threats to coalition forces in Afghanistan. He served with the 28th Ordnance Company and was deployed under Operation Enduring Freedom.

His service also included work alongside elite special operations units. He served under the Joint Special Operations Command and worked in coordination with the 75th Ranger Regiment during overseas deployments. The nature of EOD work required Mast to operate in high-threat environments, often at the front lines of combat operations.

An article in Army Times described Mast's duties and the extreme dangers inherent in his military specialty, noting that EOD technicians face some of the highest casualty rates among military occupational specialties deployed in conflict zones. Mast's injuries in September 2010 ended his active military career, and after a lengthy rehabilitation, he was medically retired in 2011.

Following his military retirement and recovery, Mast also contributed his expertise as a volunteer EOD analyst for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

2016 Congressional Campaign

In May 2015, Mast announced his candidacy for Florida's 18th congressional district, the seat being vacated by Democratic incumbent Patrick Murphy, who was running for the United States Senate. Mast entered a crowded Republican primary field. His announcement attracted attention both for his compelling personal story of military service and sacrifice and for his status as a political newcomer.

During the primary campaign, Mast positioned himself as a conservative outsider with a strong national security background. He emphasized issues including illegal immigration, which he framed as a national security concern. His campaign drew significant media coverage, including a profile in The New York Times that examined both the advantages and increased scrutiny that came with running as a combat-wounded veteran. The article explored how Mast's military record became a central element of his campaign narrative, while also noting the intense examination that accompanied his candidacy.

During the 2016 presidential campaign, Mast drew attention for publicly criticizing comments made by then-candidate Donald Trump, calling some of Trump's remarks "inexcusable" and "disgusting."

Mast won the Republican primary and advanced to the general election, where he faced Democratic nominee Randy Perkins. On November 8, 2016, Mast won the general election, securing the seat previously held by Murphy. His victory was attributed in part to his compelling military background and his ability to connect with voters in the district on national security and veterans' issues.

Congressional Career

Mast took office on January 3, 2017, representing Florida's 18th congressional district. Upon entering Congress, he attracted media attention as one of the more prominent veterans in the legislative body, with coverage noting his status as a double amputee serving in the House of Representatives.

During his first term, Mast focused on issues including veterans' affairs, environmental policy—particularly concerning water quality and the health of Florida's waterways and estuaries—and national security matters. He also voted on major legislation during the 115th Congress, including the American Health Care Act of 2017, for which he was among the 217 Republican members who voted in favor of the bill's passage in the House.

Mast also engaged with tax legislation during his early terms. He was one of the Republican members who supported the tax reform measures advanced during the Trump administration.

Following the 2020 redistricting cycle, Mast's district was renumbered from the 18th to the 21st congressional district. He continued to win reelection, serving his fifth consecutive term beginning in January 2025.

Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee

In January 2025, Mast assumed the chairmanship of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, succeeding Michael McCaul. In this role, Mast has overseen hearings and committee business on a range of international matters.

In November 2025, Chairman Mast met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and issued a public statement about the meeting, signaling the committee's engagement with evolving geopolitical situations in the Middle East.

In early 2026, Mast led a full committee hearing titled "Winning the AI Arms Race," reflecting the committee's focus on emerging technology competition between the United States and its global rivals, particularly regarding artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductor exports. His stance on AI chip regulations drew attention from various political factions, with some figures aligned with the broader MAGA movement targeting Mast over his positions on AI chip export controls.

Legislative Activity (2025–2026)

During the 119th Congress, Mast has remained active on a range of legislative and constituent service matters. In February 2026, he co-introduced bipartisan legislation with Representative Maxwell Frost (D-FL) aimed at improving rail safety. The Safer Rail Crossing Act addressed railroad crossing hazards, reflecting a bipartisan effort on infrastructure safety in Florida.

Mast has also advocated for federal accountability regarding transportation funding, calling on the FEC and Brightline to account for federal funding proposals related to the Florida East Coast Railway and Brightline passenger rail service.

In February 2026, Mast urged the federal government to issue a disaster declaration for Florida farmers affected by recent freezing temperatures, calling attention to the economic impact on the state's agricultural sector. He also highlighted tax relief provisions for American workers in connection with the "One Big Beautiful Bill," a legislative package under consideration during the 2026 tax season.

In February 2026, Mast authored an opinion piece for Newsweek ahead of President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, writing in support of the administration's accomplishments.

Personal Life

Brian Mast resides in the Treasure Coast area of Florida. He has four children. After losing both of his legs in the 2010 IED blast in Afghanistan, Mast underwent extensive rehabilitation and has been publicly visible using prosthetic legs throughout his political career. His status as a combat-wounded double amputee has been a defining aspect of his public identity and has drawn attention to issues facing wounded veterans and service members transitioning to civilian life.

Following his military service, Mast volunteered with the Israel Defense Forces in an EOD advisory capacity, an experience he has cited as formative in shaping his understanding of international security challenges. He has spoken publicly about his recovery process and the challenges of adapting to life as a double amputee, using his experience to advocate for improved services and support for wounded veterans.

Mast received a specially adapted home from the nonprofit organization Building Homes for Heroes, which constructs and donates homes to severely injured veterans.

Recognition

Mast has received numerous military decorations and civilian honors for his service and sacrifice. His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal for Valor. The Purple Heart was awarded for the wounds he sustained in the September 2010 IED explosion in Afghanistan, while the Bronze Star recognized his meritorious service during combat operations.

Upon entering Congress in January 2017, Mast attracted significant media attention as one of the most prominent combat-wounded veterans serving in the legislative body. TCPalm reported on the heightened public profile that accompanied his arrival in Washington, noting that his personal story of service and recovery resonated with constituents and the broader public alike.

His elevation to the chairmanship of the House Foreign Affairs Committee in January 2025 marked a significant milestone in his congressional career, placing him at the helm of one of the most prominent committees in the U.S. House of Representatives with jurisdiction over foreign policy, international trade, and diplomatic affairs.