Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL endorsed by former President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, defeated incumbent Republican congressman Thomas Massie in Kentucky's 4th district primary on May 19. [1, 2, 3] Gallrein won nearly 55% of the vote to Massie's 45.1%, ending Massie's longtime tenure in the House. [3]
The primary became the most expensive House primary in U.S. history, with over $32 million spent on campaigning. [1, 3] Pro-Israel groups including AIPAC and the Republican Jewish Coalition spent millions on attack ads targeting Massie while supporting Gallrein. [4, 3] Trump repeatedly criticized Massie on social media, urging Kentucky voters to "vote the bum out" ahead of the contest. [1, 5]
Massie had frequently opposed Trump-backed legislation and pushed for the release of Jeffrey Epstein files. [1, 4] Despite their disputes, Massie said he votes with Trump about 90% of the time. [4] After the results, Massie said, "I would have come out sooner, but I had to call my opponent to concede and it took a while to find him in Tel Aviv." [3]
Pete Hegseth campaigned for Gallrein just days before the primary, speaking in his personal capacity as a private citizen and combat veteran. Hegseth said, "President Trump does not need more people in Washington who are trying to make a point, especially from his own party, he needs people willing to help him win to vote with him when it matters the most." [2, 5]
Gallrein called his win a victory for Kentucky Republicans and their families, stating, "The winner of the race tonight is not so much Ed Gallrein...but it's the Republicans of Kentucky Congressional district four and their families, who I will be a champion for in Washington." [3]
The primary took place alongside races in five other states on May 19, including Pennsylvania and Georgia. [1, 5] Also that day, Trump-backed Andy Barr won the Republican nomination to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, securing over 60% of the vote. [1, 3]
