AIPAC, pro-Israel groups celebrate Massie’s defeat in Kentucky after spending $9M

More than $32 million was spent on the race, including $9 million from pro-Israel groups that helped Ed Gallrein defeat Rep. Thomas Massie after his high-profile clashes with President Donald Trump.

Adam Lucente

May 20, 2026

A prominent pro-Israel lobbying group is celebrating Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie’s defeat in a Republican primary as discourse over the conflict in the Middle East featured in the historically expensive race. 

What happened: The American Israel Public Affairs Committee congratulated challenger Ed Gallrein for defeating incumbent Massie on Tuesday night, saying, “Being pro-Israel is good policy and good politics!”

Congratulations to US Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein for defeating anti-Israel incumbent Thomas Massie!

Pro-Israel Americans are proud to back candidates who support a strong 🇺🇸🇮🇱 alliance and help defeat those who work to undermine it.

Being pro-Israel is good policy and good politics! https://t.co/uAQurHtvOH

AIPAC doubled down on the sentiment on Wednesday after former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene accused the organization of buying the election and referred to it as a “foreign lobby.”

"We back candidates who support the US-Israel partnership. Voters decide elections,” said AIPAC on X. 

Greene was referring to another post by AIPAC on Tuesday that celebrated the Republican primary victories of both Gallrein and Clay Fuller, who........

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