Can Massie run as an independent or write-in candidate?
Lexington Herald Leader • • nation
Key Points:
- Rep. Thomas Massie lost the Kentucky 4th Congressional District GOP primary to Trump-endorsed Ed Gallrein, but some supporters are encouraging him to run a write-in or independent campaign despite legal obstacles.
- Kentucky's "sore loser" law prohibits candidates who lose a primary from running in the general election for the same office, making Massie ineligible to appear on the ballot as a write-in or independent candidate for his congressional seat.
- Massie could potentially run as a write-in candidate for Kentucky’s U.S. Senate race if he files a declaration of intent by August 24, but he has not indicated any interest in pursuing this option.
- The "sore loser" laws apply to all offices in primary elections, affecting not only federal but also state legislative races, preventing candidates who lose primaries from running in the general election for the same seat.
- Close primary races in Kentucky’s state legislature, such as in House Districts 63 and 44, highlight the impact of these laws, with defeated incumbents unable to seek immediate rematches in the general election.