Three candidates are running in the Republican primary for Kentucky's 4th Congressional District on May 19, 2026: incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie (R), Nicole Lee Ethington (R), and Ed Gallrein (R). Massie and Gallrein lead in endorsements and media attention.

One noteworthy element of this election is President Donald Trump's (R) relationships with Massie and Gallrein. Kentucky Lantern's Tom Loftus wrote that Massie diverged from Trump on multiple issues in the 119th Congress such as "opposs[ing] Trump's showcase public policy proposal, the Big Beautiful Bill Act, over concerns about the bill's impact on the national debt" and "push[ing] to force a vote to require the Justice Department to release its records of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.”

In response to Massie, Trump endorsed Gallrein on Oct. 17, 2025, posting on Truth Social: "Unlike 'lightweight' Massie, a totally ineffective LOSER who has failed us so badly, CAPTAIN ED GALLREIN IS A WINNER WHO WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN.”

According to the University of Kentucky's Stephen Voss, "A lot of Republican voters in Massie's district are going to be willing to consider an alternative to Massie because of Donald Trump's spats with Massie. But just because you're not fully happy with your member of Congress doesn't mean you end up willing to vote for someone else."

Massie was first elected to represent Kentucky's 4th Congressional District in a 2012 special election. He previously served as the Lewis County Judge Executive from 2010 to 2012. Massie's professional experience includes working as a farmer and business owner.

Massie said, "Fourth district voters appreciate having an independent conservative voice who works for them, and I look forward to continuing my fight for transparency, constitutional rights, secure borders, a true America-first foreign policy, and fiscal responsibility."

Gallrein is a farmer and business owner. He also served in the U.S. Navy from 1984 to 2014. In 2024, Gallrein ran to represent District 7 in the Kentucky Senate. He lost to Aaron Reed 39.3% to 38.3% in the Republican primary.

Gallrein said, "This district is Trump Country. The president doesn't need obstacles in Congress — he needs backup. I'll defeat Thomas Massie, stand shoulder to shoulder with President Trump, and deliver the America First results Kentuckians voted for."

As of Jan. 13, 2026, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter and Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rated the general election as Solid Republican. Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball rated the general election as Safe Republican.