January 1, Trump Declares War on GOP Congressman in Multi-State Primary Showdown

Wyatt’s Take

• Trump’s putting another Republican establishment holdout on notice — this time it’s Rep. Thomas Massie, who’s been a thorn in the president’s side for years over foreign aid and the Epstein files
• Six states vote today in primaries that’ll test whether Trump’s endorsement still packs the punch it did in 2024 — after he already knocked out five Indiana state senators and Louisiana’s Bill Cassidy
• The Kentucky race has become the most expensive House primary in American history, with over $32 million spent, much of it from pro-Israel groups furious at Massie’s America First voting record

Six states across America hold critical primary elections today in what could be one of the most consequential days of the 2026 midterm calendar. Voters in Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon, and Pennsylvania will cast ballots in Democratic and Republican primaries for the U.S. House, Senate and governor.

The nominating showdowns will set the stage for this fall’s midterms, when Republicans will defend their slim Senate and razor-thin House majorities.

But the biggest fireworks are happening in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, where President Donald Trump has set his sights on ousting one of his most vocal Republican critics in Congress: Rep. Thomas Massie.

Massie has represented northeastern Kentucky for 14 years. The libertarian-minded lawmaker has repeatedly challenged Trump over foreign policy, including the Iran conflict and unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel.

He’s also been a thorn in Trump’s side for successfully pushing to release government files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump hammered Massie on social media in the closing days of the primary campaign and threw his support behind Kentucky farmer and former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein.

“A great guy and a great patriot,” Trump said of his endorsed candidate.

Gallrein grabbed some last-minute firepower on the eve of the primary, teaming up at an event with War Secretary Pete Hegseth.

“We’re in a fight against the worst congressman in the history of our country,” Trump said in a video posted to Truth Social on Monday.

“I hope Kentucky voters put him out of business.”

Massie fired back in an interview, suggesting Trump’s attacks may backfire.

“It shows he’s losing sleep, his reputation is on the line. He really shouldn’t have got involved in this race,” Massie said.

The race has shattered records, becoming the most expensive House primary in American history in terms of ad spending. Over $32 million has been spent, according to the nationally known ad tracking firm AdImpact.

Much of that money has been shelled out by Trump allies and pro-Israel groups furious at Massie’s voting record.

“Here’s the thing, I’ve got nothing against Israel. I just have never voted for foreign aid,” Massie said.

“When I said America First, I meant it. I don’t vote for foreign aid to Egypt, to Syria, to Ukraine. I’ve got a flawless record on this, and I’m not going to ruin it by sending foreign aid to one country.”

The race has grabbed national attention as a test of Trump’s grip on the Republican Party.

“It’s basically a national race at this point, the most expensive race primary in congressional history, and that’s because, you know, I’m up there, I’m getting things done,” Massie emphasized.

“I got the Epstein files released, I’m getting legislation in the farm bill, I’m getting legislation passed on the floor, and they want to shut me down.”

Gallrein pushed back hard.

“Running against President Trump, and the agenda that has been put forward by the Republican Party,” Gallrein charged.

The primary winner will be the overwhelming favorite in November in a district Trump carried by 36 points in his 2024 White House victory.

Trump’s endorsement is also on the line in Kentucky’s Republican Senate primary, in the race to succeed retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell. Among the 11 Republican candidates are Rep. Andy Barr, who recently landed Trump’s backing, and former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron.

Seven Democrats, including 2020 Senate nominee Amy McGrath, are running for their party’s nomination.

In Georgia, Trump is supporting Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the GOP gubernatorial primary to succeed popular conservative Gov. Brian Kemp, who is term-limited. Jones faces billionaire businessman Rick Jackson, who has spent more than $80 million of his own money on his campaign.

Georgia’s Republican Senate primary remains wide open, with Trump staying neutral. Reps. Mike Collins and Buddy Carter, along with former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley, are considered the frontrunners.

The winner will challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, viewed as one of the most vulnerable Democrats up for re-election this year.

In Alabama, Trump is backing Sen. Tommy Tuberville and has endorsed candidates in the gubernatorial race to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Kay Ivey.

Only three of Alabama’s seven congressional districts will hold primaries today. Elections in the other four districts are being postponed until summer following a Supreme Court ruling that forced Republicans in several southern states to redraw congressional district lines.

Wyatt Matters

This is about more than one congressman. It’s about whether elected officials answer to the people who sent them to Washington or to special interests with deep pockets. When a representative stands up for America First principles — no foreign aid to anyone, period — and gets buried under $32 million in attack ads, working families need to pay attention. The swamp doesn’t drain itself, and it fights back hard when someone threatens the money flowing out of taxpayer wallets to foreign countries. That’s the real story here.