Trump’s Push to Defeat Thomas Massie Is the Most Expensive House Primary in Recent Years
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- The House primary race in northern Kentucky between Representative Thomas Massie and Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein has become the most expensive in recent years, with nearly $33 million spent on ads and media, according to AdImpact.
- Trump supporters and pro-Israel groups, unhappy with Massie’s opposition to the war with Iran, have spent about $19 million against Massie or for Gallrein, including funding from super PACs backed by major donors like Paul Singer and Miriam Adelson.
- Massie has received significant financial support from a mysterious super PAC, Kentucky 4th PAC, which has spent $6.5 million in the final six weeks but has not disclosed its donors.
- The race has featured the use of A.I.-generated deepfake ads, including one by Kentucky 4th PAC portraying Gallrein in an A.I. video leaving Trump on a battlefield, highlighting the contentious and innovative nature of the campaign tactics.