Republican Thomas Massie, who fell out of favor with US President Donald Trump, has dropped out of the race for the midterm elections in the state of Kentucky.
May 20, 2026, 3:55 a.mMay 20, 2026, 3:55 a.m
After almost all votes were counted, his internal party opponent Ed Gallrein was unassailable, as CNN reported. It is therefore clear that Massie will not run for the Republicans in the November election for the House of Representatives.
Thomas Massie received fewer votes than the candidate supported by Trump.Image: keystone
The primary was particularly in focus because Massie repeatedly took a stand against Trump’s war in Iran. He was also the one who, together with Democrat Ro Khanna, pushed forward the law for the publication of the investigative files in the case of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
On Election Day, Trump published a cascade of posts in which he described Massie as either the worst congressman in US history or the worst representative of his party. Trump’s appeal: “Kentucky, throw this FAILURE out of politics in Tuesday’s election!”
The primary was seen as a test for Trump
After 14 years in Congress, Massie is a familiar face in his party. The primary election was therefore also seen as a test of how well Trump could mobilize the Republican voter base.
In November there will be midterm elections in the United States, in which the House of Representatives and part of the Senate will be re-elected. If the Republicans lose their currently very narrow majority in even one of the two chambers, Trump will no longer be able to push through any major legislative initiatives. He may also have to prepare for further impeachment proceedings. (sda/dpa)