Gallrein says Trump 'will let me speak my mind' if elected over Massie

The race for Kentucky's 4th Congressional District is all coming down to loyalty — not just to voters but to the man in the White House.

The tempestuous race between President Donald Trump's handpicked candidate, Ed Gallrein, and U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, one of Trump's fiercest opponents within the Republican Party, is not only a test of the candidates but also how far an endorsement from Trump will stretch.

Massie has been an easy favorite in his district for years, winning his 2024 primary with 75.9% of the vote and the general election with 99.6%.

But now a Quantus Insights poll has Gallrein up nearly 5 points on Massie with likely voters and more than 20 points up with undecided voters, something that hasn't been seen since the start of the campaign.

While at an event at Purnell's "Old Folks" Country Sausage in Simpsonville, just down the road from his family's farm, Gallrein said he pays more attention to the weather than polling data, and he attributes the jump to everyday voters starting to tune into the election.

"I think what it really reflects is what I've already seen since I got in this race back in the first week of November — an outpouring, a sentiment that finally, there's somebody who is going to represent the people here with courage and commitment, just like I've done my whole life," Gallrein said.

It's not only loyalty and commitment to his district. Gallrein's also running on loyalty to Trump, something he says is one and the same, pointing to the 4th Congressional District's overwhelming support for the president in the 2024 election. Where Gallrein breaks with Trump's agenda, if he does so at all, isn't clear, but when it comes down to it, Kentuckians "knew what they were voting for."

Gallrein also drew on his military service, saying he has no shortage of independence and if there's a disagreement with the president, he'll cross that bridge when it comes.

"He'll take my call," Gallrein said. "I'll be able to have a conversation with him. I do not lack for courage. Rest assured, I'll have a relationship with the president, so he will let me speak my mind, and I'll do that for these folks in these 21 counties and for our party and for our nation."

Gallrein also remained firm on his decision not to debate Massie, something the incumbent congressman has hit his challenger hard for online. But the lack of public debate didn't stop Gallrein from taking shots at his opponent. Gallrein criticized Massie's voting record and his outspoken stance against several of Trump's initiatives.

"Statesmanship is a tight-fitting jacket he cannot wear, and he's proven it for 15 years," Gallrein said.

While in Simpsonville, Gallrein officially received the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, given by Kevin Courtois, vice president of the chamber's Great Lakes Region.

"Ed knows that free enterprise is what drives American prosperity," Courtois said. "He is aligned with the U.S. Chamber on our policy priorities, things like pro-growth tax policy, eliminating emergency regulations and investing in American workforce and infrastructure."

Kentucky's primary elections will take place May 19. No-excuse early voting began May 14 and will run through May 16.

Reach reporter Keely Doll at [email protected] or follow her on X at @keely_doll.