Thomas Massie hints at 2028 presidential bid after losing House primary: 'Just getting started'

HEBRON, KENTUCKY: Rebel Republican Thomas Massie appears to be eyeing a far bigger political future after losing his re-election race to former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, who earned Donald Trump’s endorsement amid Massie’s bitter feud with the president.

Massie, a longtime conservative stalwart, hinted at a possible 2028 presidential bid while delivering a fiery concession speech to supporters gathered at a northern Kentucky hotel on Tuesday, May 19.

The Republican’s 14-year tenure in the deep-red seat came to an end on Tuesday as he managed to amass approximately 46%, or 38,000 votes, compared to Gallrein’s 55%, or 46,000 votes.

The race in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, the most expensive House primary in US history, was widely viewed as a major test of President Trump’s decade-long hold over the Republican Party after his escalating feud with Massie.

Thomas Massie teases potential 2028 presidential bid

Massie was wrapping up his concession speech, saying his defeat in the Kentucky primary was God’s will. "What was God's purpose? What is he showing us tonight?”

"We're just getting started,” the Republican continued, to which the crowd responded with chants of “28, 28”, hinting at the presidential election in 2028.

"Well, you've made a compelling argument! But I need my Margarita right now. We will talk about it later," he replied with a broad smile.

If Massie ultimately launches a 2028 presidential bid, it could become one of the most closely watched battles in Republican politics, especially after his dramatic fallout with Trump, the man who still holds enormous influence over the party’s future.

The congressman found himself at odds with Trump after breaking from the president on several major issues, including co-sponsoring a bill demanding the Justice Department release its files on Jeffrey Epstein, who was once associated with Trump. Massie also drew backlash for criticizing US support for Israel, prompting pro-Israel groups and wealthy donors to pour millions into efforts aimed at removing him from office.

Thomas Massie says opponents tried to ‘buy the seat’

During the concession speech, Massie implied that his loss came after a well-organized political assault led by Trump allies and pro-Israel donor groups who tried to buy seats in the primary election.

“They tried to buy my vote. They couldn't buy it,” Massie told the crowd. “Why did the race get so expensive? They decided to buy the seat. It got real expensive for them.”

“That’s why they’re sending the Secretary of War to my district tomorrow. That’s why the president’s losing sleep and tweeting about this. That’s why AIPAC has dumped another $3 million into my race this weekend — is because they’re panicked, and they really haven’t been able to gain a lead in this race,” he continued.

The congressman also accused his rivals of resorting to dirty political tactics during the campaign, while insisting he chose not to fight back the same way.

“They used a lot of dirty tricks, but we stayed the course... we didn't throw a foul ball,” he said.