Another Trump victory: Republican Rep. Thomas Massie loses Kentucky primary

Key points

• Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, speaks during a campaign event ahead of a primary election at Veterans Memorial Park in Vanceburg, Kentucky, US, on Monday, May 18, 2026. Kentucky will hold a primary election on May 19. Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL backed by President Donald Trump, defeated incumbent Rep.
• Thomas Massie in a Republican primary Tuesday in Kentucky's 4th congressional district, the latest in a series of successful attempts by the president to pick off his political opponents.
• The Associated Press, NBC News and other outlets called the race Tuesday night less than two hours after the first polls closed.
• Massie was down nearly nine percentage points at the time the race was called.
• Massie has represented the district since 2012 and has become most known as a contrarian within the ranks of the House GOP.