Massie apologizes – After losing the Kentucky 4th Congressional District Republican primary to AIPAC-backed, Trump-endorsed Ed Gallrein, Rep. Thomas Massie told supporters he was late because he “had to call” his opponent and “it took a while to find Ed Gallrein in Tel Aviv.” Mas
When Rep. Thomas Massie finally stepped out to speak to supporters after conceding his Republican primary defeat on Tuesday night, he started with an apology. He said he was late because he “had to call” his opponent and that “it took a while to find Ed Gallrein in Tel Aviv.”
Massie, the incumbent from Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, had just lost the Republican primary to AIPAC and a Trump-endorsed candidate, Ed Gallrein. In the hours that followed, the crowd that filled the room repeatedly chanted his name and urged him to run for president in 2028.
Responding to the “Massie! Massie!” chants, Massie explained that he “would have come out sooner,” but the concession had to be made first. “I did get the call through, though,” he said. “I have called and conceded the race. We’ve been honorable the whole time, and we’re gonna stay that way.”
The numbers left little room for ambiguity. Massie lost to Gallrein with just over 45% of the vote. in what the coverage described as the most expensive House primary in history. For Massie’s supporters, the loss didn’t end the political pressure inside the room. They kept pushing him toward bigger ambitions even as he tried to close the chapter on the night’s race.
The concession came after months of escalating conflict between Massie and President Donald Trump. Trump repeatedly lashed out at the congressman for pushing for the release of the Epstein files—government documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein. the late child sex trafficker who had been a close friend of Trump for several years. In February, Massie said, “This is the Epstein administration,” and accused Trump of being part of “the Epstein class.”.
As that fight played out, another front of the campaign was the one Massie has long carried in Congress: his criticism of Israel. That stance made him a major target for pro-Israel lobby groups, including AIPAC, which poured millions of dollars into the race.
After Massie’s defeat. AIPAC issued a statement saying. “Congratulations to US Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein for defeating anti-Israel incumbent Thomas Massie!” The group added. “Pro-Israel Americans are proud to back candidates who support a strong alliance and help defeat those who work to undermine it. Being pro-Israel is good policy and good politics!”.
Back in the moment of the concession speech. Massie’s message sounded aimed at controlling the narrative of how he lost. He framed the delay as a matter of protocol—he had to reach Gallrein before stepping onstage—and he stressed that he and his campaign would remain “honorable.” Even as chants of “Massie” filled the room. the central fact of the night remained stark: the incumbent was defeated by a candidate backed by AIPAC and endorsed by Trump. in a race described as the most expensive House primary in history.
Thomas Massie Ed Gallrein Kentucky 4th Congressional District Republican primary AIPAC Donald Trump Epstein files Jeffrey Epstein Israel policy C-SPAN primary election