What Thomas Massie’s Race Says About Trump’s Influence
The Republican primary race in Kentucky has become notably contentious and expensive, particularly involving Congressman Thomas Massie. Massie faces a challenge from Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL endorsed by Donald Trump, amid a backdrop of personal attacks and controversial campaign tactics. The dynamics of this race highlight the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party, especially regarding Trump's influence and Massie's libertarian stance.
- ▪William Paul, son of Senator Rand Paul, confronted Congressman Mike Lawler over the primary race, expressing his support for Massie.
- ▪The campaign has seen the use of antisemitic rhetoric and controversial ads targeting both Massie and his supporters.
- ▪Massie has a complicated relationship with Trump, having previously opposed him on several issues, yet there were moments of reconciliation after personal tragedies.
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The LedeWhat Thomas Massie’s Race Says About Trump’s InfluenceWhy has a Republican contest in Kentucky become the most expensive House primary of all time?By Jon AllsopMay 18, 2026Photograph by Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc / GettySave this storySave this storySave this storySave this storyLast week, William Paul, the son of Kentucky senator Rand Paul, approached the Republican congressman Mike Lawler at a bar in Washington, D.C., and began berating him. The subject of Paul’s tirade was a House primary in Kentucky where Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL endorsed by President Donald Trump, is attempting to take out Thomas Massie, an iconoclastic libertarian and occasional Trump apostate.
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