Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., is working to emphasize his alignment with President Donald Trump in a new campaign ad as early voting approaches in a closely watched Republican primary in Kentucky.
Massie, who has represented the state's 4th Congressional District since 2012, is facing a challenge from Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL who has been endorsed by Trump in the May 19 primary.
The race has drawn national attention amid a long-running feud between Massie and Trump during the president's second term, particularly over foreign policy decisions and federal spending votes that prompted Trump to back a primary challenger.
In a 30-second advertisement posted to social media, Massie directly addresses those tensions while stressing the issues on which he and the president agree.
"Let's just talk about the elephant in the room," Massie says in the ad.
"I agree with President Trump a whole lot more than I disagree with him," he continues.
"The list is long: the SAVE AMERICA Act to require proof of citizenship to vote, stopping immigrant welfare, fighting the woke agenda, defending the Second Amendment, protecting the life of the unborn, securing the border."
Massie closes the ad by saying, "President Trump and I have a whole lot more to get done together."
The messaging marks a shift in tone for Massie, who previously emphasized his independence and willingness to break with party leadership, describing himself as not a "rubber stamp" for Washington.
Trump, meanwhile, has sharply criticized Massie in recent months and has taken the unusual step of campaigning in his northern Kentucky district to support Gallrein.
Gallrein, a farmer and businessman in addition to his military service, has aligned his campaign closely with Trump's agenda, arguing the district needs a representative who will support the president's priorities without opposition.
Polling suggests Massie maintains a lead, though by narrower margins than in previous election cycles, making it his most competitive primary since first winning office.
Fundraising between the candidates has remained competitive, with recent federal filings showing Massie holding $1.47 million in cash on hand compared with $1.39 million for Gallrein.
Early in-person voting in Kentucky is scheduled to begin May 14 and run through May 16 ahead of the May 19 primary election.
Theodore Bunker ✉
Theodore Bunker, a Newsmax writer, has more than a decade covering news, media, and politics.
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