Trump-backed challenger ousts critic Massie in record Kentucky primary
Ed Gallrein, backed by Donald Trump, defeated incumbent Thomas Massie in Kentucky's Republican primary, marking the most expensive House primary in history with over $32 million in ad spending. Massie, a seven-term congressman and one of Trump's most persistent internal critics, conceded three hours after polls closed. The race was seen as a test of Trump's grip on the party amid war, inflation, and sliding approval ratings. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made an unusual campaign appearance for Gallrein. The defeat follows similar purges of Republican dissenters in Indiana and Louisiana.
Key facts
- Trump-backed Ed Gallrein ousted incumbent Thomas Massie in Kentucky primary
- Most expensive House primary in history with over $32 million in ad spending
- Massie conceded three hours after polls closed
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth campaigned for Gallrein
- Race seen as test of Trump's grip on Republican Party
- Follows rout of Indiana state lawmakers and collapse of Senator Bill Cassidy's re-election bid
- Massie was one of Trump's most persistent internal critics
- Several states held primaries Tuesday for November midterm elections
Entities
Institutions
- Republican Party
- House of Representatives
Locations
- Kentucky
- United States
- Indiana
- Louisiana