Gallrein wins, Trump world gloats, Massie hints at future plans: Catch up on KY-04 outcome
Seven-term U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie lost his GOP primary Tuesday to Donald Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District. The race reportedly became the most expensive House primary in history as President Donald Trump worked to oust the Northern Kentucky congressman over perceived disloyalty.
Here’s what to know from Tuesday night:
- The Associated Press called the race shortly before 8 p.m. Tuesday, with Gallrein defeating Massie to advance to the Nov. 3 general election against Democrat Melissa Strange of Erlanger.
- More than $32 million was spent on the contest, making it the most expensive House primary in history, as Trump targeted Massie for breaking with him on the war with Iran, the Jeffrey Epstein files and the “Big, Beautiful Bill.”
- Gallrein, a Shelby County farmer and former Navy SEAL recruited by Trump, repeatedly thanked Trump for his endorsement, telling supporters, “Now my focus is advancing the president and the party’s agenda to put America first and Kentucky always.”
- Trump lashed out at Massie on Election Day, telling reporters in Washington: “Thomas Massie is a terrible congressman. He’s been a terrible congressman from Day One. … I don’t think he’s a Republican. I think he’s actually a Democrat.”
- White House Communications Director Steven Cheung gloated on X with the message, “Do not ever doubt President Trump and his political power” while Trump’s 2024 co-campaign manager Chris LaCivita posted a photo of Trump holding up his middle finger.
- Massie kept his concession speech upbeat for about 30 minutes, telling roughly 500 supporters, “Those SOBs in Washington tried to buy my vote” and saying the race got expensive “because they decided to buy the seat.”
- Supporters at Massie’s watch party chanted “2028” during his concession speech, urging him to run for president rather than seek his old seat again, with Massie responding, “I need a medical margarita right now, and we’ll talk about it later.”
- Gallrein’s win fit a broader pattern on election night, as Trump-endorsed candidates swept Kentucky’s high-profile GOP primaries, with Rep. Andy Barr winning the U.S. Senate nomination by 29 points and Ralph Alvarado taking the 6th Congressional District by 31 points.
The summary points above are based on the reporting of Herald-Leader journalists. The roundup was produced with the assistance of AI. Herald-Leader reporters and an editor reviewed this story for accuracy. You can read more about our AI policy here.