Arabic version: مرشح مدعوم من ترامب يهزم النائب ماسي في الانتخابات التمهيدية في كنتاكي

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has lost his re-election bid to Ed Gallrein, a challenger endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Gallrein, a former Navy Seal, will now compete in November’s midterm election after his victory in the Kentucky primary on Tuesday.

According to BBC News, this primary was the most expensive in House history and was viewed as a significant test of Trump’s influence within the Republican Party. Trump had publicly criticized Massie, labeling him a “major sleazebag” and the “worst Republican congressman in history.”

Massie, who has served since 2012, faced backlash from Trump after he diverged from the former president’s policies, including voting against Trump’s “big, beautiful” tax and spending legislation due to concerns about the national debt. He also opposed Trump’s military actions and sought to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.

In his concession speech, Massie expressed pride in his campaign team and noted the challenges he faced from the start. He remarked on the presence of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at Gallrein’s campaign events, suggesting it indicated Gallrein’s campaign was struggling.

In another Kentucky development, Congressman Andy Barr secured the Republican nomination to succeed retiring Senator Mitch McConnell, also with Trump’s endorsement. Trump’s recent endorsements have significantly impacted Republican races, demonstrating his continuing influence over the party’s direction.