Trump-backed candidate defeats Massie in Kentucky primary

President Trump’s preferred candidate defeated Representative Thomas Massie in the Republican primary for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District on May 19, 2026. The challenger, a former Navy SEAL, won by roughly ten percentage points after receiving the president’s endorsement. The contest became the most expensive U.S. House primary in history, with more than $34 million spent on advertising.

Record spending and outside involvement Pro-Israel groups contributed nearly $9.4 million to support the challenger. Massie had previously voted against U.S. aid to Israel and had criticized unconditional military assistance. Massie addressed supporters after the results and warned against automatic loyalty to any president, stating that consistent legislative alignment with the executive would create a king.

Other primary results In Georgia, the Republican primary for governor advanced to a June 16 runoff after no candidate reached a majority. Two statewide officials who had publicly opposed President Trump’s efforts to challenge the 2020 election results were eliminated from contention.

Pennsylvania’s Democratic primary for governor produced no contest, leaving the incumbent to face a Republican state treasurer in November. Several House districts in the state also finalized their general-election matchups.

Alabama and additional contests Alabama’s gubernatorial race will feature a rematch between former Senator Doug Jones and retiring Senator Tommy Tuberville. Both parties’ Senate primaries in the state advanced to runoffs scheduled for June 16. Voters in Oregon and Idaho also completed primaries for governor and congressional seats, setting several November contests.

““If the legislative branch always votes with the president, we do have a king.””