Anti-Israel lawmaker Thomas Massie crashes out in Kentucky primary amid Trump opposition

Mr Massie, with approximately 47,500 votes, was defeated in the primary race by Ed Gallrein.

ADEFEMOLA AKINTADE • May 20, 2026

Thomas Massie [Credit: The Guardian]

Thomas Massie, the eight-term Republican Kentucky congressman has lost his re-election bid to the U.S. House of Representatives after months of mudslinging and opposing President Donald Trump’s foreign aid and alliance with Israel to war against Iran.

Mr Massie, with approximately 47,500 votes, was defeated in the primary race by Ed Gallrein, an ex-Navy SEAL who had Mr Trump’s backing and scored over 57,800 votes.

Mr Gallrein had become Republican’s preferred candidate, receiving donations from pro-Israel lobby groups in a coordinated attempt to unseat Mr Massie following the latter’s anti-Israel comments.

The Kentucky Republican primary election consumed tens of millions of dollars in publicity ads, making it the most expensive primary race in the U.S. history

Of the $34 million spent in publicity spending on the primary election, more than $19 million was used to fund Mr Gallrein’s campaign.

Mr Massie’s astounding defeat showed he underestimated Mr Trump’s clout over the Republican Party.

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