The results of the hotly-contested Republican primary for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District are in.
And, Rep. Thomas Massie has just been ousted from his House seat by Trump-endorsed challenger Ed Gallrein.
Decision Desk HQ has called the race in favor of Gallrein:
Trump owns the Republican Party. pic.twitter.com/wWM689pXAN
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 19, 2026
NBC News also called the race:
Ed Gallrein wins the Republican primary for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, NBC News projects.
So did CNN:
Ed Gallrein will defeat incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie in the Republican primary in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, CNN’s Decision Desk projects.
The district is solidly Republican but the race was a test of President Donald Trump’s control of his party. Massie has drawn the ire of Trump and has broken with Republicans frequently during the president’s second term. As a result, Gallrein, a farmer and former Navy SEAL, was recruited into the race by Trump and his allies. He went into the race with the president’s endorsement.
Massie served seven terms in Congress as he fought the establishment of both parties for more than a decade. The heated race was one of the most expensive primary contests ever, with more than $30 million spent on advertising.
The race wasn’t as close as anticipated…
At the time of writing this, Ed Gallrein has nearly a 10% lead on Massie.
Take a look:
🚨BREAKING: Thomas Massie has officially been DEFEATED by Ed Gallrein In Kentucky.
Trump called it. MAGA called it. The people have spoken.
When you go to war with the base — YOU LOSE!
This is what accountability looks like. pic.twitter.com/fvsfz58Trj
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 19, 2026
🚨🇺🇸BREAKING: Thomas Massie is OUT.
Ed Gallrein is projected to win the Kentucky 4th primary, 54.4% to 45.6%.
The man who introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act, voted against Iran, and wanted AIPAC registered as a foreign agent just got bought out by $35M …
The most… https://t.co/FOX22yf5pC pic.twitter.com/DfvvKRqrDO
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 19, 2026
This was the most expensive Congressional primary in the history of our nation — with $35 million total spent between both sides!
Nick Sortor broke down the numbers:
🚨 BREAKING: Ed Gallrein has UNSEATED incumbent Congressman Thomas Massie in Kentucky's 4th District, per DDHQ
This was the most expensive Congressional primary in HISTORY, with approximately $35 MILLION spent.
Spending on each side:
• ED GALLREIN: ~$20 million
• MASSIE:… pic.twitter.com/fvwvPgjOZE— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) May 19, 2026
BREAKING: Ed Gallrein has UNSEATED incumbent Congressman Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s 4th District, per DDHQ
This was the most expensive Congressional primary in HISTORY, with approximately $35 MILLION spent.
Spending on each side:
• ED GALLREIN: ~$20 million
• MASSIE: ~$13 millionADVERTISEMENTINSANE how much outside money poured into this race.
It was also a huge test for MAGA, particularly with regards to how much weight an endorsement from President Trump carries.
As it turns out, MAGA will always vote with President Trump!
Eric Daugherty noted:
🚨 BREAKING: REP. THOMAS MASSIE OUSTED FROM CONGRESS — he's just lost his KY-04 seat to Trump-endorsed Ed Gallrein, per DDHQ
Trump OWNS the GOP.
OWNS IT! This was the ultimate test.
Massie's term ends January 3rd, 2027
Over $30 MILLION has been spent on this district
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 19, 2026
BREAKING: REP. THOMAS MASSIE OUSTED FROM CONGRESS — he’s just lost his KY-04 seat to Trump-endorsed Ed Gallrein, per DDHQ
Trump OWNS the GOP.
OWNS IT! This was the ultimate test.
Massie’s term ends January 3rd, 2027
Over $30 MILLION has been spent on this district
A deep-RED seat, Gallrein is the HEAVY favorite this November to win the seat fully
Trump’s endorsement is — again — worth its weight in pure gold.
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We saw it first in Louisiana several days ago, and now again in Kentucky.
It’s never a good idea to bet against Trump!
Fox News provided further coverage of the implications of this big race here:
🚨 WOW! “The power of the Trump brand to motivate voters — 12 YEAR INCUMBENT [Massie] BEATEN BY A NEWCOMER. Because of the Trump endorsement.”
“My party would make a BIG mistake underestimating the power of the Trump brand.” 🔥
“This sends a message to the entire Republican… pic.twitter.com/VEt371Fjb4
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 19, 2026
What are your thoughts?
Are you happy that Massie has been defeated?
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