Thomas Massie Tries To Hold The Line Against AIPAC

May 18, 2026

Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie faces a primary tomorrow where pro-Israel groups have spent record money to unseat him, a test of how much influence the Israel lobby has over US elections.

  • Over $20 million in outside money, much from AIPAC and the Republican Jewish Coalition, has poured in to defeat Massie and elect challenger Ed Gallrein.
  • Massie angered Trump by pushing to release the Epstein files and refusing to back funding for Israel's wars.
  • JD Vance publicly turned on Massie while privately calling him a friend, trying to please both Trump and younger conservatives who side with Massie.
  • Gallrein has pledged unconditional support for Israel and wants to speed up bringing back the military draft.
  • The race is seen as a signal: if Israel-backed money can beat a deeply conservative Kentucky incumbent, it can beat anyone in Congress.

Outlook: Tomorrow's vote will show whether the Israel lobby can unseat a sitting Republican who crossed it, with major consequences for future US support of Israeli wars.

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