Kentucky battle for Rep. Thomas Massie’s seat is the most expensive House primary race in history
Massie lost after pro-Israel groups and Trump-aligned donors spent at least $16 million in the most expensive House primary on record.
- On Tuesday, Representative Thomas Massie conceded his Kentucky primary race to challenger Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL backed by President Donald Trump and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
- The contest became the most expensive primary in House history, with combined spending reaching at least $16 million and estimates as high as $32 million, eclipsing 2024 records.
- AIPAC spent almost $5 million on ads attacking Massie, while RJC Victory Fund unloaded more than $4 million targeting his opposition to the US-Israel war in Iran and promoting Trump's endorsement of Gallrein.
- Progressive leader Bernie Sanders criticized billionaire super PACs, calling the spending "obscene," while veteran pollster James Zogby warned the defeat signals a rift between "America First" and "Israel First" wings of the Republican Party.
- AIPAC spokesperson Deryn Sousa stated voters "reject those who focus on attacking" the US-Israel alliance, demonstrating the lobby's continued influence over the Republican Party following the primary results.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Thomas Massie's defeat shows Aipac's enduring grip over US Republicans
Thomas Massie's defeat shows Aipac's enduring grip over US Republicans Submitted by Sami Al-Arian on Fri, 05/22/2026 - 21:16 The Kentucky congressman's stand against US aid to Israel and the Iran war triggered a pro-Israel donor backlash that reveals how firmly the lobby still shapes Republican politics US Congressman Thomas Massie speaks with supporters after his concession speech in Hebron, Kentucky, United States, 19 May 2026 (Jon Cherry…
The Independents: The Day the GOP Killed Liberty: Why Massie’s Defeat Is Good News
This week, on The Independents with Carla Gericke, Thomas Massie — one of the last consistent anti-war, pro-liberty voices in Congress — was just obliterated in his primary by Trump, massive pro-Israel donor money, and the new hawkish GOP machine. On paper, it looks like a total defeat. But in reality, this “massacre” is one ... Read more The post The Independents: The Day the GOP Killed Liberty: Why Massie’s Defeat Is Good News appeared first …
Ed Gallrein’s voters once backed Thomas Massie. What changed?
COVINGTON, Ky. — Local supporters and even campaign staffers of Ed Gallrein didn’t have a lot to say about what Gallrein will do in Congress if he wins his November election — aside from supporting President Donald Trump.
The 'secret sauce' behind Trump's 2026 midterm strategy
President Donald Trump has his eyes set on November. According to Trumpworld insiders, the president has finished waging his primary campaign of vengeance against Republican enemies and will now focus his war chest, time, and influence on the ultimate goal of maintaining the GOP’s House and Senate majorities in the general election. “We’ve basically moved on to general elections now,” James Blair, Trump’s top political aide, told the Washington …
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