Election 2026 Kentucky

Republican congressional candidate for Kentucky, Ed Gallrein, speaks on stage during the Kenton County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner, Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Covington, Ky.

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US Rep. Thomas Massie loses Kentucky GOP primary to Ed Gallrein in another victory for Trump

US Rep. Thomas Massie loses Kentucky GOP primary to Ed Gallrein in another victory for Trump

Kentucky U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie has lost his Republican House primary after a concerted effort by President Donald Trump to oust him through challenger and ultimate winner Ed Gallrein. The result shows the president’s persisting influence over GOP voters. It also adds to a growing number of Trump-backed primary challengers to defeat Republican lawmakers who angered him in his second term. Massie has served in Congress since 2012. He angered Trump by pushing for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, criticizing the war in Iran and voting against his signature tax legislation last year. Also Tuesday, Republicans statewide also chose their Senate nominee: U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, who was endorsed by Trump.