Kentucky Republican Primary Pits Massie Against Trump-Backed Challenger

Voters in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District will decide Tuesday whether to renominate Rep. Thomas Massie or replace him with Ed Gallrein, the candidate endorsed by President Trump. The race has become the most expensive House primary on record, with more than $32 million spent on advertising according to AdImpact. Pro-Trump and pro-Israel groups have accounted for the bulk of the spending.

Background to the contest Massie has represented the district since 2012.

He has frequently voted against legislation supported by Republican leadership, including a short-term government funding bill in March 2025 and measures related to military aid for Israel. President Trump has repeatedly criticized Massie on Truth Social, calling him a "loser" and urging voters to support Gallrein instead.

Trump used the recent primary defeat of Sen. Bill Cassidy in Louisiana as an example for Kentucky voters. Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL and fifth-generation farmer, entered the race after receiving Trump's endorsement on Truth Social. He has described himself as "100% behind the president" and declined to debate Massie.

Hegseth appeared with Gallrein in the district on Monday. A Pentagon spokesperson said the appearance was in Hegseth's personal capacity and had been cleared by lawyers to comply with the Hatch Act. Massie has described the primary as a referendum on foreign policy and on whether outside groups can influence congressional votes.

He told NBC News that younger voters in the district are breaking heavily for him while older voters lean toward Gallrein.

“I vote with the party 90% of the time, but there's 10% of the time where I think my constituents are better served by a different vote.”

Recent polling shows Gallrein with a slight edge, though Massie has maintained a loyal base in northern Kentucky. Republican strategists interviewed by multiple outlets predicted the incumbent would have difficulty overcoming the volume of outside spending.

Reactions from other Republicans House Speaker Mike Johnson told NBC News he has stayed out of the race. Rep. Andy Barr, who is running for Senate, endorsed Gallrein and said the anti-establishment vote in the district has shifted against Massie. Reps.

Lauren Boebert, Warren Davidson, and Victoria Spartz expressed support for both candidates and hoped the two sides could reconcile after the election. Massie said he expects to continue working with President Trump regardless of the outcome.