SHELBYVILLE, Ky. — President Donald Trump has inspired a retired Navy SEAL and unsuccessful legislative candidate to problem Republican Rep. Thomas Massie in subsequent yr’s Kentucky major, increase his selection as “A WINNER WHO WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN” in his newest social media barrage towards the congressman, who has crossed him on high-profile points.
Trump’s selection, Ed Gallrein, has not entered the 4th District marketing campaign however stated he would reveal his plans quickly whereas praising the president for “a tremendous job” on securing the border and decreasing taxes. Trump touted Gallrein in a Friday night put up on his social media platform: “RUN, ED, RUN.”
Gallrein is a farmer and businessman who had an extended army profession and final yr ran for a state Senate seat, narrowly shedding in a three-way Republican major.
Massie, bracing for the hardest political battle of his profession, final week reported his best-ever fundraising quarter to attempt to counter an excellent PAC launched by Trump aides that has run adverts attacking him. The maverick congressman sounded unfazed by the emergence of a would-be rival backed by Trump.
“After having been rejected by each elected official within the 4th District, Trump’s consultants clearly pushed the panic button with their selection of failed candidate and institution hack Ed Gallrein. Ed’s been begging them to choose him for over three months now,” Massie stated in an announcement Friday night time.
Massie has drawn Trump’s wrath for opposing him on price range and overseas coverage points however is betting that Kentuckians will embrace his impartial streak regardless of Trump’s reputation within the Bluegrass State.
Requested Monday to handicap a possible Could 2026 major involving Massie and Gallrein, Republican marketing consultant Tres Watson stated: “This race is 100% about Thomas Massie vs. Donald Trump. I feel it is going to be an fascinating take a look at of Trump’s affect on the bottom of the social gathering. As a result of Thomas Massie additionally appeals to an necessary constituency within the base of the social gathering.”
Trump’s endorsement was seen as decisive in a latest open congressional major in Tennessee. Matt Van Epps, who gained the crowded Republican major, stated Trump’s endorsement “made the distinction, and I’ll always remember it.” Van Epps will compete in December in a particular election to exchange a GOP congressman who left workplace this summer time.
Massie Attracts Trump’s Ire
Massie’s well-documented, up-and-down relationship with Trump took one other plunge this yr. The libertarian-leaning congressman opposed Trump’s large tax breaks and spending cuts package deal, saying it’s going to develop the nationwide debt and harm the economic system, whereas Trump calls it “lovely.” Massie additionally drew Trump’s ire for saying the president lacked authority to assault Iran’s nuclear websites with out congressional approval.
And Massie has been amongst a handful of Home Republicans seeking to drive the general public launch of case information on the intercourse trafficking probe into the late Jeffrey Epstein. The Republican president’s supporters need the federal government to launch secret information about Epstein, who authorities say killed himself in his New York jail cell whereas awaiting trial. Trump has repeatedly denied prior data of Epstein’s crimes and claimed he reduce off their relationship way back.
Massie has been endorsed by Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul, who joined the congressman on a two-day swing by means of the 4th District final month. After one occasion, Paul advised reporters that primarily based on the enthusiastic turnout they acquired, “it is going to be very laborious to run towards” Massie.
Trump Manufacturers Massie ‘Light-weight’
Whereas selling his option to unseat Massie, Trump touted Gallrein’s army service and background as a businessman. The president stated he’ll “battle tirelessly” on such points as border safety, crime and assist for gun possession rights.
“Not like ‘light-weight’ Massie, a very ineffective LOSER who has failed us so badly, CAPTAIN ED GALLREIN IS A WINNER WHO WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN,” Trump stated. “Ought to he resolve to problem Massie, Captain Ed Gallrein has my Full and Complete Endorsement.”
Massie’s Historical past of Bucking Republican Management
The Massachusetts Institute of Expertise-educated Massie entered Congress in 2012. He represents a conservative district stretching throughout northern Kentucky that features a mixture of rural and suburban voters.
Massie’s popularity as a contrarian keen to buck GOP leaders goes again years. In 2020, throughout Trump’s first time period, he tried to stall a COVID-19 aid package deal. Trump berated him then as a “third charge Grandstander” who must be tossed from the GOP. The smackdown was a bump within the street for Massie, who cruised to reelection. In 2022, Trump endorsed Massie, calling him a “Conservative Warrior” and a “first-rate Defender of the Structure.”
Now Massie faces the prospect of operating towards Trump’s vaunted political operation.
“Since he received elected, he’s by no means confronted a candidate who’s each nicely financed and nicely certified,” Watson stated. “So this will likely be a singular problem for him. Nevertheless, he’s a really distinctive member of Congress.”
A number of candidates moreover Massie have filed with the Federal Election Fee for the marketing campaign in Kentucky’s 4th District. The winner of the Republican nomination will likely be closely favored within the November common election in a district final represented by a Democrat 20 years in the past.
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