Kentucky primary becomes costliest US House contest as pro-Israel groups target Massie

The Republican primary contest in Kentucky’s Fourth Congressional District has become the most expensive House of Representatives primary in United States history, with total expenditure exceeding $34 million. The surge in spending is driven largely by pro-Israel groups and donors opposing incumbent Congressman Thomas Massie, a rare Republican critic of unconditional US military aid to Israel. Federal Election Commission data indicates that outside groups, including those linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and the Republican Jewish Coalition, have spent more than $25.8 million against Massie.

President Donald Trump and Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth have actively campaigned for challenger Ed Gallrein, an unusual level of executive branch involvement in a congressional primary. Massie has framed the election as a referendum on foreign policy and lobby influence, arguing that the race highlights the capacity of pro-Israel groups to pressure members of Congress. He stated that the election would determine whether such lobby groups could bully legislators, noting that the intensity of the opposition suggested he was leading in the polls.

The bulk of the spending has come from super political action committees, which operate without the legal constraints of direct campaign contributions. Three pro-Israel-linked groups have spent more than $15.5 million in the race. The United Democracy Project, AIPAC’s election arm, has spent more than $4.1 million. The RJC Victory Fund, affiliated with the Republican Jewish Coalition, has spent around $3.9 million. MAGA KY has been the largest spender at $7.5 million, with top funder Paul Singer, a pro-Israel billionaire investor, also donating $2.5 million to the United Democracy Project.

MAGA KY also received funds from Preserve America PAC, linked to Israeli-American megadonor Miriam Adelson, who donated $106 million to the PAC in 2024. President Trump has openly admitted that Adelson and her late husband Sheldon Adelson have influenced his Middle East policies. The previous most expensive House primary was the 2024 election that ousted Democratic Congressman Jamaal Bowman, which also saw significant spending by pro-Israel groups.

Massie faces not only external financial pressure but also the political wrath of President Trump, who has posted multiple messages calling the congressman weak and pathetic. Despite this, Massie’s campaign has directly raised $5.5 million, significantly more than Gallrein’s $3.1 million, and has received support from pro-gun rights and libertarian groups. Right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson has endorsed Massie, arguing that the congressman remains true to America First principles and has refused to abandon the policies that helped elect the president.