Trump-Endorsed Gallrein Defeats Rep. Massie in Kentucky Primary

Ed Gallrein, endorsed by Donald Trump, has defeated Representative Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s 4th congressional district primary. Gallrein secured 54.9% of the vote, compared to Massie’s 45.1%. The election saw unprecedented spending, with pro-Israel lobbying groups AIPAC and the Republican Jewish Coalition contributing $15.5 million to Gallrein’s campaign, making it the most expensive primary in US history with almost $33 million spent.

Massie, who has held the seat since 2012, faced backlash from Trump for refusing to support the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ spending package and for demanding the release of unredacted Epstein files. Trump actively campaigned for Gallrein, including a rally in Kentucky in March, and sent Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to a Gallrein event on Monday.

In his concession, Massie criticized the influence of the Israel lobby, stating the election was “a referendum on whether Israel gets to buy seats in Congress.” He jokingly remarked he had to call Gallrein in Tel Aviv to concede.

The result cements Trump’s control over the Republican Party, following other successful endorsements in recent primaries. Gallrein will face Democratic candidate Melissa Strange in November.