WHAT HAPPENED: Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) raised over $2.5 million in the first quarter of 2026, with 76 percent of contributions coming from first-time donors. Massie faces a tough Republican primary battle on May 19 against Trump-endorsed former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein.

DETAIL: Massie’s campaign has raised a total of nearly $5 million this cycle, relying heavily on grassroots support with an average donation of $94. The Kentucky congressman has clashed with Trump on key issues, including voting against the President’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” and opposing U.S. involvement in Iran, which has led Trump to label Massie “disloyal.” However, Gallrein, backed by Trump, has faced scrutiny for receiving significant donations from people with a history of supporting Democrats.

KEY QUOTE: “The good thing about being the number one target is that a lot of people have rallied to support me.” – Rep. Thomas Massie

IMPACT: Massie has warned the Trump administration and the GOP that it is “shrining the tent” by attacking anti-war voices such as himself, saying, “I’ve told them this already… when I see them in Congress personally that if I lose they’re gonna… alienate a big portion of the coalition that put us in the majority and put us in the White House.”

FLASHBACK: Massie has previously been at odds with the MAGA movement for backing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis against Trump in the Republicans’ 2024 primary, and supporting former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. However, his vocal opposition to the Iran war has seen him more aligned with non-interventionists in the MAGA base than elements of the administration in recent months.