The 4th Congressional District GOP primary race in Kentucky is another one that promised to test the power of an endorsement from President Donald Trump. And, just like the Louisiana Senate GOP primary, this one did not disappoint, as Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein defeated longtime Rep. Thomas Massie in what turned out to be the most expensive House primary in U.S. history, one which pitted some prominent Republican figures against each other.
The race wasn't without shenanigans from Massie's campaign down the homestretch, though, as Gallrein gained momentum:
Kentucky election day shenanigans;
— ZitoSalena (@ZitoSalena) May 19, 2026
Massie campaign sends out to KY 4 voters via text a 2022 Trump
statement making it look like the president supports Massie today where he clearly supports Gallrein
Text ends with "Paid for by Thomas Massie for Congress
Reply STOP to opt-out" pic.twitter.com/cJwFB75Dkk
Trump, of course, was not amused, as RedState reported:
Horrible Congressman Thomas Massie put out an old Endorsement, from many years ago, of him by me long before I found out that he was the Worst Congressman in the History of our Country. I endorsed Ed Gallrein, a true American Patriot, which Massie knows full well, so the statement that he put out is fraudulent, just like HE is fraudulent. WITHDRAW YOUR FAKE STATEMENT, MASSIE, RIGHT NOW! President DONALD J. TRUMP
Horrible Congressman Thomas Massie put out an old Endorsement, from many years ago, of him by me long before I found out that he was the Worst Congressman in the History of our Country. I endorsed Ed Gallrein, a true American Patriot, which Massie knows full well, so the…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2026
READ MORE: Desperation? Thomas Massie Pulls a Last Minute Primary Stunt That Has Trump Fuming
Gallrein, who served as a Navy SEAL for 30 years and who is a 5th-generation farmer, had a simple yet effective message from the start of his campaign, entering the race in October with Trump's endorsement already in hand:
"This is Trump country. It’s time we had a congressman who acts like it."
Barring any surprises in the general election, Gallrein will be a member of the House of Representatives for the remaining two years of Trump's second term.
Decision Desk HQ projects Ed Gallrein wins the KY US House 4 Republican Primary#DecisionMade: 7:41 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/fKQgbMNKzd
— Decision Desk HQ (@DecisionDeskHQ) May 19, 2026
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
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