The Lessons of Thomas Massie’s Defeat
Representative Thomas Massie lost his primary election to Ed Gallrein, a candidate backed by former President Trump. Despite Massie's attempts to position his campaign as a test case for Republican dissent against Trump, he was unable to overcome the significant financial and political support for Gallrein. This defeat highlights Trump's continued influence within the Republican Party, even as his popularity wanes among the general public.
- ▪Thomas Massie was defeated in his primary election by Ed Gallrein, who was endorsed by former President Trump.
- ▪Massie had positioned his campaign as a test case for Republican dissent against Trump, hoping to embolden others to speak out.
- ▪The primary race became the most expensive House primary in U.S. history, with over $33 million spent by both sides.
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PoliticsThe Lessons of Thomas Massie’s DefeatThe president is deeply unpopular, but still the Republican kingmaker.By Russell BermanHeather Diehl / GettyMay 20, 2026, 10:22 AM ET ShareSave For a long time, Representative Thomas Massie confidently defied an ironclad law of modern Republican politics—that to oppose President Trump was to start a ticking clock on your electoral career. “I’m not worried about losing,” he told me last spring inside the Capitol, as he explained to a group of reporters the strength of his support within his Kentucky district.Massie had already angered Trump just a few months into the president’s second term, after clashing with him during his first.
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