Support for Rep. Thomas Massey Among Certain Congressional Republicans
A few Congressional Republicans have come forward to support Rep. Thomas Massey from Kentucky, going against the wishes of President Donald Trump.
Trump and his supporters notably campaigned against Massey, particularly targeting his criticisms of the administration’s actions in Iran and his votes against the Big Beautiful Act (OBBBA), which is one of Trump’s significant legislative achievements. During a rally in Florence, Kentucky, Rep. Lauren Boebert (Colorado), Rep. Warren Davidson (Ohio), Rep. Victoria Spartz (Indiana), and Sen. Rand Paul (Kentucky) all endorsed Massey.
Boebert, a staunch Trumper, expressed that she supports both Massey and Trump in a statement she made Friday. However, Trump didn’t hold back in his response. On Sunday, he described Boebert as “weak-hearted” and a “carpetbagger.” He hinted that he might back her primary challenger because of her endorsement of Massey.
“Is anyone interested in running against the timid Lauren Boebert in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District?” Trump wrote. “Don’t forget, Lauren moved to her original Congressional District (3rd District) when it became clear she wasn’t going to win—a true carpetbagger! Boebert is campaigning for the worst ‘Republican’ Congressman in our history, Thomas Massey, and anyone that foolish deserves a solid primary fight!”
Boebert responded to Trump, acknowledging that she “knew the risks” of standing with Massey. Meanwhile, Paul urged attendees at the rally to back the incumbent candidate.
Several former Republican representatives—including Dana Rohrabacher (California), Matt Gaetz (Florida), Marjorie Taylor Greene (Georgia), and Justin Amash (Michigan)—also spoke in favor of Massey at the rally. Rohrabacher served in Congress from 1989 to 2019 and represented a Southern California district.
Massey has additionally gained support from various organizations, including a partnership with the Make Healthy Again Movement and pro-life groups.
Trump is actively campaigning for Massey’s opponent, Ed Gullane, a Navy SEAL. Army Secretary Pete Hegseth plans to campaign for Gullane in Kentucky soon, which is somewhat unusual for someone in his position. Vice President J.D. Vance previously made inaccurate statements regarding Massey’s voting record, alleging he opposed the Republican Party on “every issue.”
Massey was among the few Republicans, alongside Davidson, to vote against OBBBA in May 2025, and again opposed it the following July. He has also criticized the Trump administration’s military actions, asserting they were unconstitutional and claiming that Israel pushed the U.S. into conflict.
Trump has not been shy in his criticism of Massey, labeling him an “idiot” during public appearances and calling Massey’s past rally a “complete disaster.”
This campaign has been notably expensive, with more than $32 million spent on advertising, marking it as one of the priciest House primaries ever. Pro-Israel lobbying organizations, including AIPAC, invested significantly to unseat Massey.
In a twist just before the election, Massey’s ex-girlfriend accused him of offering her $5,000 to remain silent about Spartz, who she claimed created a toxic work atmosphere while she worked as a parliamentary aide.
As of now, the polls indicate a tight race, but Gullane appears to have the edge. According to the latest data from Quantus Insights, 53% of respondents plan to favor Gullane, while 45% support Massey.
