Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky has clinched victory in the state’s Republican primary, overcoming significant challenges from opponents and external groups.
The primary race unfolded amid controversy surrounding Massie’s involvement in efforts to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson over foreign aid legislation. Massie’s stance drew criticism from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which launched a substantial advertising campaign accusing him of neglecting U.S. foreign relations in favor of local interests.
As a Congressman, @RepThomasMassie should only be worried about pro-American bills.@AIPAC our borders are wide open and Americans are being politically persecuted.
On top of that, we’re broke.
We’ve got to save the US before we can help anyone else.
— Matt Strickland (@MattForVA) May 22, 2024
Massie has repeatedly affirmed his “America First” position by voting against aid packages to foreign countries, including Israel, which prompted AIPAC’s efforts to primary him out of office. AIPAC reportedly spent a whopping $300,000 campaigning against Massie, though some reports have indicated that the number was closer to $400,000.
AIPAC announced they were spending $300,000 against me statewide to run negative ads.
We raised $100,000 on the blowback.
Then Protect Freedom PAC began running $300,000 of the ad below supporting me statewide.
AIPAC, your smear campaign on this American 🇺🇸 has backfired. pic.twitter.com/Qp5vXnoOTH
— Thomas Massie for Congress (@MassieforKY) May 21, 2024
Despite the efforts against him, Massie secured a clear victory — celebrating the news in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, sharing a screenshot of the election results.
AIPAC claims to have spent over $400,000 against me this election cycle. These were the results tonight: pic.twitter.com/PmQ0G2Ol7D
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) May 22, 2024
Massie also responded directly to a post from AIPAC, where the group was trying to defend its campaign against the Kentucky congressman. Massie responded by vowing to continue his efforts to put America first, adding: “After spending $400k+ smearing me, and watching me get 75%+ in the race tonight, they claim they weren’t playing in the race. They deserve the ratio here.”
🇺🇸 FIRST. After spending $400k+ smearing me, and watching me get 75%+ in the race tonight, they claim they weren’t playing in the race. They deserve the ratio here: https://t.co/ULaQYOcXmU
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) May 22, 2024
Despite these obstacles, Massie emerged triumphant with an impressive 75.9% of the primary vote. Speaking in Crescent Springs, Northern Kentucky, Massie reaffirmed his commitment to representing his constituents’ interests faithfully in Washington.
Displaying his voting card, Massie underscored his dedication, stating, “It’s always a question, can you go to Washington, D.C. and not sell out? Can you vote exactly the way your constituents want? This is your card. This is your voting card. You let me keep it in my wallet and go to Washington, D.C. and vote for you.”
Looking ahead, Massie remains undeterred by controversy, continuing to champion contentious issues such as the abolition of the Federal Reserve (HR 8421) and the enactment of the Interstate Milk Freedom Act (HR 8374), aimed at curbing the FDA’s authority over trade between farmers and consumers.
Known for his contrarian stance, Massie has earned the nickname “Mr. No” for his consistent dissenting votes in the House.
