Tuesday, May 26, 2026- Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna expressed “sadness” and “disappointment” following the primary defeat of Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who lost his Kentucky race to Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein.
Khanna described Massie as “a real friend” and praised him for breaking with his own party on issues including war powers, government spending, and the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files.
Massie had become one of the most outspoken Republican critics of President Donald Trump’s recent Iran strategy and broader legislative agenda, creating unusual bipartisan alliances with lawmakers like Khanna.
Following the loss, Massie warned that Trump’s leadership style was alienating portions of the Republican voter base, including anti-war conservatives and libertarian-leaning supporters. Trump publicly celebrated Massie’s defeat after heavily backing Gallrein in what became one of the most expensive congressional primary races in U.S. history.
Khanna’s reaction has drawn attention because it highlights the rare political partnership that developed between the progressive California Democrat and the libertarian Kentucky Republican.
Analysts say Massie’s defeat signals Trump’s growing influence over the Republican Party ahead of the 2026 midterms, particularly against lawmakers viewed as disloyal to the administration. The race is also being viewed as another major test of how much room remains inside the GOP for independent or dissenting voices.
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