HEBRON, KENTUCKY - MAY 19: Rep. Thomas Massie gives his concession speech on May 19, 2026 in Hebron, Kentucky. Massie, who has served Kentucky's 4th Congressional District since 2012, conceded his loss after the most expensive US House Primary in US history against Trump-endorsed candidate Ed Gallrein. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)
HEBRON, Ky. (AP) — 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 he considers disloyal. 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 chose their Senate nominee: U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, who was endorsed by Trump.
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