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.
20 Articles
20 Articles
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