Trump-Backed Former Navy SEAL Challenges Massie in Kentucky GOP Primary

President Trump endorsed Ed Gallrein, a 68-year-old farmer and former Navy SEAL, to challenge Rep. Thomas Massie in Tuesday's Republican primary for Kentucky's 4th Congressional District. The race has become the most expensive House primary in history, with more than $30 million spent on advertising.

Gallrein has pledged full loyalty to the Trump agenda. He appeared Monday with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at an event sponsored by America First Works. He said the volume of spending showed he was up in the polls and that officials would not have sent the Defense Secretary if they were winning.

Gallrein declined several debate invitations, including one on Kentucky Educational Television. When asked about his absence, he told voters he was debating Massie every day by speaking directly to the American people.

Background on the Candidates Gallrein has never held public office.

He lost a Republican primary for a Kentucky state senate seat in 2024. Trump described him as "a true American hero" and "a great patriot" during an earlier visit to Kentucky. Massie has represented the district for 14 years. He led the effort to release the Epstein files and voted against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

He has also opposed U.S. involvement in the Iran war. Gallrein said his relationship with the president would allow him to speak his mind. He told voters he would not walk in lockstep with Trump on every issue. Massie said he votes with Trump 90 percent of the time.

He described the contest as a fight between grassroots donors and outside spending from Trump's allies and pro-Israel groups.

Local party officials described the race as a test of whether presidential pressure can overcome long-standing personal relationships. The primary is scheduled for Tuesday. The outcome will determine whether Massie remains in Congress or joins other Republicans who have lost primaries after opposing Trump-backed measures.