Kentucky Republican loses primary after opposing foreign aid

House since 2012 lost his primary election on Tuesday. The incumbent had opposed foreign aid and military support for Israel, positions that aligned with his broader opposition to government spending. An outside group ran advertisements against him during the campaign.

Primary results The incumbent received nearly 48,000 votes in the primary.

Fewer than 44,000 voters participated in the 2012 primary that first sent him to Congress. The incumbent raised at least $5.5 million for the campaign. He had previously survived a primary challenge in 2020 after delaying a COVID relief bill.

Background on positions The incumbent had broken with the president over spending and foreign policy issues. He had also co-sponsored legislation related to the release of certain files. The challenger noted that the incumbent had broken a term limit pledge made earlier in his career.

The incumbent had previously won election as a critic of regulation and supporter of a balanced budget amendment. " the incumbent said at an election night event.