Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie loses primary, then backs a Libertarian for his seat
The gist
Kentucky GOP Rep. Thomas Massie lost his 2026 primary to Trump-backed Ed Gallrein, then posed with Libertarian Jeremy Todd for his old seat.
The race was the most expensive U.S. primary ever, and Massie is now weighing in on other contests.
How it unfolded
- 2026 (earlier this year)Massie lost the primary to Ed Gallrein, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump; the race was the most expensive U.S. primary in history.
- May 18, 2026Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke in support of Gallrein at an 'America First Works' rally at a hotel near Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in Hebron, Kentucky.
- May 19, 2026Massie spoke with supporters after his concession speech in Hebron, Kentucky.