Trump-endorsed candidate Ed Gallrein defeated incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District Republican primary, delivering a major victory for President Donald Trump and his allies.
Gallrein captured 45,623 votes (54.4 percent), while Massie received 38,245 votes (45.6 percent). The race was called Tuesday evening at 7:54 p.m.
The result followed months of escalating tension between Trump and Massie, who had publicly broken with the president on many high-profile issues, including Iran policy and the handling of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Gallrein, a decorated military veteran and fifth-generation Kentucky farmer, received strong backing from Trump throughout the campaign. In a January Truth Social post, Trump sharply criticized Massie while praising Gallrein as the type of candidate needed to advance the America First agenda.
“The incredible people of Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, who want desperately to get rid of Thomas Massie,” Trump wrote, described Gallrein as a “Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, Fifth Generation Kentucky Farmer, and American Hero.”
Polling conducted shortly before the election suggested Gallrein had gained momentum. A Quantus Insights survey conducted May 11-12 among likely Republican voters found Gallrein leading Massie by roughly five points.
The race also drew involvement from senior Trump administration officials. Pete Hegseth campaigned alongside Gallrein and framed the contest as a test of loyalty and unity within the Republican Party.
“President Trump needs reinforcements, and that’s what war fighters do,” Hegseth said during the campaign. “They stand behind leaders and have their back.”
Hegseth added that military leaders understand “mission,” “teamwork,” and “loyalty,” contrasting Gallrein’s approach with Massie’s repeated clashes with Trump.
