Particle.news
Download on the App Store
11 ARTICLES
·
4h ago

Trump-Backed Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein Launches Primary Challenge to Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky

The contest has become a test of the president’s sway over GOP incumbents in a safely Republican district.

President Donald Trump arrives to speak during an event to welcome the 2025 LSU and LSU-Shreveport national champion baseball teams in the East Room of the White House, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, en route to Joint Base Andrews, Md., as he returns from a trip to Florida. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Image
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., has emerged as a rare Trump critic from within the president's own party. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Overview

  • Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL and Kentucky farmer, announced his bid Tuesday to unseat Rep. Thomas Massie with the president’s public endorsement.
  • The president urged Gallrein to run on Truth Social and blasted Massie over opposition to his agenda, including the sweeping reconciliation bill.
  • A Trump-aligned super PAC founded by Chris LaCivita and Tony Fabrizio has already aired ads against Massie, with reported spending near $2 million.
  • Massie has leveraged the attacks to fuel fundraising, reporting roughly $768,000 in the third quarter and more than $2 million in cash on hand, while dismissing Gallrein as an establishment pick.
  • Massie’s break with the president includes leading a bipartisan push to force release of Justice Department records related to Jeffrey Epstein, and the GOP primary is expected to determine the seat’s next holder.