Kentucky GOP Rep. Thomas Massie has officially drawn a Donald Trump-backed challenger in the form of Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL and unsuccessful state Senate candidate. Gallrein, who preemptively earned the president’s endorsement last week, launched his campaign Tuesday to unseat the seven-term lawmaker, whom Trump has targeted over his opposition to the “megalaw” and other issues. Gallrein emphasized his alignment with Trump’s agenda, stating, “This district is Trump Country. The President doesn’t need obstacles in Congress—he needs backup.”
Trump himself hailed Gallrein as a “WINNER WHO WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN” in a Truth Social post, further signaling his support for the candidate. The president’s public dismissal of Massie has been a consistent theme, with Trump repeatedly calling for the lawmaker’s removal from office. Massie, however, has not shown signs of backing down, dismissing Gallrein as a “failed candidate and establishment hack.” In a recent interview with POLITICO, Massie highlighted his recent fundraising success, having raised $768,000 in July to September and entering October with over $2 million in cash on hand.
The political battle over Massie is intensifying as Trump’s campaign continues to target the lawmaker, seeking to unseat him and shift the balance of power in Congress. A key aspect of this effort has been the creation of a super PAC, MAGA KY, which has spent $1.8 million on independent expenditures so far. The PAC’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to undermine Massie’s influence, particularly as he prepares to secure the required 218 signatures to bypass Speaker Mike Johnson and force a floor vote on compelling the release of the Justice Department’s entire file on late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump’s campaign has also explored other potential candidates, including state Sen. Aaron Reed, who narrowly defeated Gallrein in the GOP primary for the state Senate seat last year. Some Republicans had hoped former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who is running to replace retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell, would enter the race instead of Massie. However, Cameron has not yet announced his decision, leaving the field of potential challengers open. As the race heats up, both sides are ramping up their efforts, with Massie’s fundraising success and Trump’s public endorsement of Gallrein indicating a significant and potentially decisive battle in Kentucky’s congressional race.