Kentucky congressman Thomas Massie has filed to run for the US House of Representatives in 2028, less than a week after losing a primary to Donald Trump's preferred candidate, Ed Gallrein. Massie, a conservative Republican, was defeated 55-45 in a bitterly contested race that became the most expensive House primary in history.
Massie announced on social media that he had filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2028 race, allowing him to raise funds for his political operations. He stated that he has not made a final decision about which office to seek, if he runs at all. The move comes as speculation grows about a potential presidential bid in a post-Trump political landscape.
President Trump celebrated Massie's defeat, saying he deserved to lose. Massie had been a frequent critic of the administration, opposing Trump's tariff policies and voting against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. He also co-authored legislation that forced the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The primary campaign was marked by heavy outside spending, with over 94% of funds coming from out of state. Massie blamed his loss on billionaire donors and pro-Israel groups, saying they bought the seat after failing to buy his vote for 14 years. The race featured controversial AI-generated ads, including one depicting Massie with two female Democratic leaders.
Massie represents a conservative district in northern Kentucky, covering suburbs of Louisville and Cincinnati. He has seven months left in his current term and intends to remain politically engaged.
