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6h ago

Trump-Backed Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein Launches Primary Challenge to Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s 4th District

The race now serves as a measure of the president’s pull with Republican voters in a safely red seat.

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)
Republican U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie speaks to a crowd gathered in Shelbyville, Ky., on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruce Schreiner)
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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 declared his candidacy on Tuesday, setting up a 2026 GOP primary fight against seven-term Rep. Thomas Massie.
  • President Donald Trump urged Gallrein to run days earlier and issued a full-throated endorsement while attacking Massie’s record.
  • Gallrein is a retired Navy SEAL and fifth-generation Kentucky farmer whose campaign highlights military service and ties to the state.
  • A pro-Trump super PAC led by Chris LaCivita and Tony Fabrizio has spent nearly $2 million on ads targeting Massie.
  • Massie has posted a record fundraising quarter of more than $750,000, holds Sen. Rand Paul’s endorsement, and is nearing a House vote to release DOJ Epstein files.