Trump-Backed Challenger Battles Rep. Massie in Kentucky Primary

Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie faces a tough primary challenge Tuesday from Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL endorsed by former President Donald Trump. The race has drawn national attention, with Trump labeling Massie “the worst congressman in the history of our country” and calling him a “disloyal, ungracious, and sanctimonious FOOL.” Despite the attacks, Massie remains defiant, telling CBS News, “I’m going to win.”

Massie, who represents Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, has frequently opposed Trump’s legislative priorities, including voting against symbolic resolutions supporting Israel and opposing the war with Iran. He has also pushed for the release of government records related to Jeffrey Epstein. Massie attributes the tightening race to millions of dollars spent by pro-Israel groups such as AIPAC and the Republican Jewish Coalition, which he says have shifted the contest from a likely 60-40 win in his favor to a near 50-50 split.

“This race has become a referendum on whether the Israeli lobby can buy a seat in Congress,” Massie said, accusing these groups of trying to “intimidate the entire Republican Party into having zero dissension on foreign policy toward Israel.” He emphasized that his opposition to aid for Israel stems from fiscal concerns and a belief that no country deserves special treatment with U.S. taxpayer dollars. “I have never voted for foreign aid to Egypt, to Syria, to Israel or to Ukraine,” he said.

On the other side, Gallrein has received high-profile support, including from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who campaigned for him Monday in Hebron, Kentucky. Hegseth praised Gallrein’s military service, highlighting his leadership in SEAL Team Six. The event, hosted by the pro-Trump nonprofit America First Works, marked a rare political appearance by a sitting defense secretary. Pentagon officials stressed that Hegseth participated in his personal capacity and that no taxpayer funds were used.

Gallrein criticized Massie for obstructing Trump’s agenda and aligning with “radical Democrats,” calling him a “Never Trumper” who only rejoined the Republican Party after Trump’s 2020 election loss. Trump himself posted a video from the Oval Office urging Kentucky voters to “put Massie out of business,” while praising Gallrein as “a great guy” and “a great patriot.”

Massie questioned the timing of Hegseth’s visit, saying, “You don’t send the Secretary of War to Kentucky during a war if you think your candidate is up 10 points. That’s what you do when you realize your whole campaign is imploding.” The primary has become the most expensive House primary in history, reflecting the high stakes and national interest in the outcome.

As the contest nears, Massie remains confident despite the opposition from Trump and his allies. “He knows I’m tough to beat,” Massie said. “He’s literally losing sleep over this race, because he’s in with both feet.”