Massie Claims Israeli Lobby Spent $30 Million To Defeat Him In Primary

WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) – U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., said Tuesday that pro-Israel groups spent $30 million to oust him from Congress, but argued the effort ultimately raised public awareness of their influence.

In a post on X, Massie wrote: “The Israeli lobby spent $30 million to beat me, but America won because an entire generation is now aware of their corrosive influence on our government. Every elected Republican in Congress is bought, captured, or intimidated by them to some degree. I am the last who is not.”

Massie, a seven-term congressman known for his libertarian views and frequent criticism of U.S. aid to Israel, lost the Republican primary for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District on May 19 to Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL endorsed by President Donald Trump. Gallrein received about 55% of the vote.

The primary became the most expensive House race on record, with total ad spending exceeding $32 million, according to tracking data. Reports indicate pro-Israel groups, including a super PAC affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, spent roughly $8 million to $9 million opposing Massie. Massie has previously put the figure higher, attributing significant spending to donors including Miriam Adelson.

Massie has long accused pro-Israel organizations of exerting undue influence over Congress. During the campaign and after his defeat, he criticized what he described as misleading advertisements, including AI-generated content.

Gallrein is expected to face a Democratic opponent in the November general election. Massie’s term ends in January 2027.