Ed Gallrein won the Republican primary in Kentucky's 4th district after receiving President Donald Trump's endorsement, pushing out another one of his political foes within the GOP.
Massie, who had comfortably won previous elections, only managed to get a little over 45% of the vote after Trump withdrew his endorsement and began attacking him.
NBC News detailed that Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL, was boosted by large advertising campaigns from both pro-Trump and pro-Israel groups.
He also received on-the-ground help, with Trump campaigning with him earlier this year and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth doing so on Monday.
Hegseth accused Massie of "constant obstruction," making reference to the lawmaker's decision to vote against the party on different issues, including the war in Iran, the "big. beautiful bill" spending package, and his role in spearheading the Justice Department's files related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein.
Massie addressed his situation in a recent interview, saying "there's a portion of the electorate who doesn't believe that Congress should be independent."
"They believe that, when the Republicans control the White House and the Congress, that Congress should just do whatever the president wants. But that's not how our government's set up."
Gallrein, on his end, kept a low profile during the campaign, leaning largely on Trump's endorsement. He was accused by Massie of dodging debates and other candidate forums. "He is scared to answer any question, even if I don't get to ask the questions," Massie said last month.
The election is the latest show of force by President Trump, who has been actively endorsing challengers of lawmakers who have not fully sided with him in the past. On Saturday, Senator Bill Cassidy was defeated in his own primary.
He had voted to convict Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial following the January 6 Capitol assault. He trailed Representative Julia Letlow and State Treasurer John Fleming, who will face each other in a second round of voting on June 27.
Several Republicans who broke ranks with Trump have chosen to exit their re-election race, but Cassidy had put forth an aggressive campaign for a third six-year term, hoping to defy the President's sway over Republican voters.
On voting day, Trump slammed Cassidy on social media as "a disloyal disaster" and "a terrible guy." "Insults only bother me if they come from somebody of character and integrity," Cassidy said after his defeat.
