Kentucky's 4th Congressional District election, 2026 (May 19 Republican primary)
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| Kentucky's 4th Congressional District |
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| Democratic primary Republican primary General election |
| Election details |
| Filing deadline: January 9, 2026 |
| Primary: May 19, 2026 General: November 3, 2026 |
| How to vote |
| Poll times:
6 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Race ratings |
DDHQ and The Hill: Pending Inside Elections: Solid Republican Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican |
| Ballotpedia analysis |
| U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026 |
| See also |
U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th Kentucky elections, 2026 U.S. Congress elections, 2026 U.S. Senate elections, 2026 U.S. House elections, 2026 |
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."[1]
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."[2]
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."[3]
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.[4]
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."[5]
Gallrein is a farmer and business owner.[6] He also served in the U.S. Navy from 1984 to 2014.[6] 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."[5]
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.
Nicole Lee Ethington (R) completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. To read those survey responses, click here.
This page focuses on Kentucky's 4th Congressional District Republican primary. For more in-depth information on the district's Democratic primary and the general election, see the following pages:
- Kentucky's 4th Congressional District election, 2026 (May 19 Democratic primary)
- Kentucky's 4th Congressional District election, 2026
Candidates and election results
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 4
Incumbent Thomas Massie, Nicole Lee Ethington, and Ed Gallrein are running in the Republican primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 4 on May 19, 2026.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Robert Wells Jr. (R)
Voting information
- See also: Voting in Kentucky
Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.
Candidate profiles
This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.
Party: Republican Party
Incumbent: Yes
Political Office:
- U.S. House of Representatives, Kentucky District 4 (Assumed office: 2012)
- Lewis County Judge Executive (2010-2012)
Biography: Massie received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His professional experience included working as a farmer and business owner.
Show sources
Party: Republican Party
Incumbent: No
Submitted Biography: "Niki Lee Ethington is a registered nurse, wife, mother, and lifelong Kentuckian who has dedicated her life to serving others. She has worked across the country, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing critical care in NICUs, long-term care facilities, behavioral health, and more. A lifelong Kentuckian, Niki has lived on a farm in Spencer County for over 20 years and understands the struggles facing working families in Kentucky’s 4th District. Frustrated with out-of-touch politicians, Niki is stepping up to fight for Kentucky values in Washington. She is running for U.S. Congress (KY-4) as a Republican to put America First, secure the border, protect parental rights, and defend Kentucky jobs from government overreach. Her campaign motto is “Kentucky First. America Always.” From saving lives to saving Kentucky, Niki is ready to take her bold, conservative leadership to Washington and stand with President Trump to restore American greatness"
Party: Republican Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Biography: Gallrein received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Murray State University. His professional experience included working as a farmer and business owner. Gallrein also served in the U.S. Navy from 1984 to 2014.
Show sources
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Survey responses from candidates in this race
Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
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America has a border crisis that threatens our national security, economy, and families. I will fight to finish the wall, stop illegal immigration, and end taxpayer-funded benefits for non-citizens. Protecting our communities starts with enforcing the law and standing up for the safety of American families.
I will protect parental rights, fight for the unborn, and defend women and girls in sports. Our constitutional rights—including free speech, gun rights, and religious liberty—are under attack, and I will never back down in defending faith, family, and freedom in Kentucky’s 4th District.
• Finish the wall and strengthen border security. • End taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal immigrants. • Support legal immigration that prioritizes American workers and national security.
2. Protecting Kentucky Jobs & Fighting Government Overreach • Lower taxes and cut burdensome regulations on small businesses. • Support Kentucky’s energy industry, including coal and natural gas. • Oppose federal policies that kill jobs and hurt working families.
3. Defending Family, Faith, and Freedom • Protect parental rights in education and healthcare. • Defend the unborn and promote pro-life policies.
• Uphold the Second Amendment and stand against unconstitutional gun control.Lincoln’s ability to balance compassion with firmness, his dedication to principles of freedom, and his efforts to keep the nation united during a time of deep division are lessons that resonate deeply with me. His example shows the importance of leading with integrity and staying true to one’s core values, even when faced with enormous challenges.
I would like to follow his example by being a leader who is both pragmatic and principled, someone who listens to the people but is not afraid to take a stand for what is right. His focus on reconciliation and the greater good is something that guides how I approach leadership and public service today.• Elected officials must be honest, transparent, and accountable to the people—not the political establishment. • I will fight corruption and government waste to ensure taxpayers’ money is spent wisely.
2. Strong Leadership & Courage • Kentucky needs a leader who won’t back down from tough fights, whether it’s securing the border, protecting our rights, or standing up to Washington bureaucrats. • I will stand with President Trump to put America First and oppose weak politicians who sell out our country.
3. Commitment to Conservative Values • Family, faith, and freedom are the foundation of America. • I will protect parental rights, defend life, and stand for traditional values.
4. Service & Dedication to the People • A true leader is a public servant, not a career politician. • As a nurse, I’ve spent my life serving others, and I will bring that same dedication to fighting for Kentucky’s 4th District.
5. Patriotism & Love for America • We need leaders who put America first—not global elites, special interests, or foreign countries.
• I will always stand for the Constitution, the flag, and the freedoms that make our country great.1. Strong Work Ethic • Having worked in various fields, from healthcare to farming, I understand the importance of hard work and dedication. I am committed to giving 100% in everything I do, and I will apply that same determination to serving my constituents.
2. Compassion and Empathy
• As a registered nurse and a mother, I’ve developed a deep sense of compassion and empathy. These qualities are essential in understanding the struggles of others, particularly in representing working families and those facing hardships in Kentucky’s 4th District.• A Congresswoman must listen to, understand, and represent the concerns and needs of the people in their district. • This involves regular communication, addressing local issues like infrastructure, healthcare, jobs, and education.
2. Upholding the Constitution & Protecting American Values • It’s critical to defend the Constitution, ensuring that laws passed in Washington align with the principles of freedom, liberty, and limited government. • As a strong advocate for traditional values, I will fight for individual rights, religious freedoms, and family values that reflect the heart of our country.
3. Legislative Leadership & Policy Making • A Representative’s duty is to propose, debate, and vote on laws that strengthen our economy, secure our borders, and protect American citizens. • I will work to promote pro-business policies, lower taxes, and ensure national security through effective defense and immigration policies.
4. Fiscal Responsibility & Government Accountability • Elected officials are entrusted with taxpayer dollars and must ensure government spending is efficient and focused on what benefits the American people. • I will oppose wasteful spending and fight to reduce the size and scope of government.
5. Providing Oversight & Holding the Government Accountable • As a member of Congress, it is essential to hold federal agencies accountable and ensure that the executive branch, courts, and other government bodies are not exceeding their authority. • This includes fighting corruption, ensuring election integrity, and working to preserve American sovereignty.
6. Being a Strong Voice for National Security & Foreign Policy
• As part of Congress, I would be responsible for supporting a strong military, prioritizing America’s interests abroad, and holding adversaries like China accountable for their threats to U.S. security.1. Empowering Families and Strengthening Communities • I want to be remembered for putting families first, working tirelessly to create policies that support economic growth, job opportunities, and affordable healthcare. I want to leave behind a district where families feel empowered, small businesses thrive, and people have access to the resources they need to succeed.
2. Upholding American Values and Freedom • I hope to be remembered for standing strong for freedom and individual rights. This includes advocating for lower taxes, limited government, and the protection of religious freedoms. I want my legacy to reflect a commitment to protecting the values that make this country great—values that allow every individual to pursue their own dreams and succeed on their own terms.
3. Championing Practical Solutions • I believe in the power of common-sense solutions to everyday problems. My goal is to leave behind a legacy of pragmatic policies that actually work for families, farmers, and small businesses. Whether it’s improving infrastructure, enhancing education, or securing fair trade policies, I want my time in office to be defined by results, not rhetoric.
4. Restoring Trust in Government • I want to leave a legacy of accountability in public service, where I am remembered for being transparent, honest, and accessible to my constituents. I hope to rebuild trust between the people and their government by always putting the people’s needs first and rejecting the political establishment that so often overlooks them.
5. Leading with Integrity and Compassion
• Above all, I want to be remembered as a leader who was guided by integrity and compassion. I want to leave behind a legacy where people can say I truly cared about improving their lives.The House of Representatives is designed to be the most directly accountable to the people. Members are elected every two years, making them more responsive to the needs and concerns of their constituents.
This frequent election cycle ensures that representatives remain in touch with public opinion and have a clear mandate to act in the best interests of their voters.1. Fresh Perspectives and New Ideas • Someone without prior political experience often brings a fresh perspective to Washington. They are less likely to be bogged down by bureaucratic norms or entrenched political strategies. This allows them to approach issues with a problem-solving mindset and new ideas that can disrupt the status quo for the betterment of the country.
2. A Strong Commitment to Constituents
• Regardless of experience, the most important quality for a representative is their dedication to the people they represent. Representatives should be focused on the needs and concerns of their constituents, and a strong connection to their district can often be more valuable than previous political experience. Being in tune with the challenges of everyday people allows for effective representation in Congress.Border Security & Immigration Reform • The southern border crisis is one of the most urgent challenges. An insecure border leads to the flow of illegal immigration, human trafficking, and the spread of drugs. • We need to complete the border wall, increase border security, and enforce immigration laws while ensuring that immigration is legal and controlled to protect American jobs and national security. • Additionally, a reform of the immigration system is needed to ensure that we welcome immigrants who will contribute to our economy and society, while preventing illegal entry. Health Care Reform & Access • The healthcare system in the U.S. continues to be a challenge, with many Americans facing high costs, limited access to care, and inefficient systems. We must focus on affordable healthcare options, while reducing government interference in the healthcare market. • We also need to address the growing crisis of mental health and addiction and improve access to mental health services across the country. Protecting Constitutional Rights & Freedom • The erosion of individual rights in the face of government overreach poses a serious threat to freedom and liberty. Defending the Second Amendment, freedom of speech, and religious liberties will be essential in preserving the American way of life.
• Protecting parental rights in education, defending the sanctity of life, and ensuring election integrity are vital to maintaining the foundations of democracy.Benefits of a Two-Year Term 1. Responsiveness to Constituents • The two-year term ensures that Representatives remain closely connected to their districts and are accountable to their voters. It encourages them to be more in touch with the concerns and needs of their constituents, since they must face re-election regularly. This constant accountability helps ensure that the people’s voices are heard and represented in Washington. 2. Fosters Action and Progress • With such a short term, Representatives are motivated to act quickly on their agenda, pushing legislation through and making progress on key issues within their term. The fast-paced nature of the role can help avoid stagnation and ensure that lawmakers are always focused on delivering results for the American people. 3. Prevents Career Politicians
• Two-year terms limit the possibility of career politicians who become more focused on political longevity than representing the people. Shorter terms make it more likely that fresh voices and perspectives will continue to enter Congress, preventing political elites from dominating the process for decades.1. Promoting Fresh Ideas & Accountability • Term limits prevent career politicians from becoming entrenched in Washington, ensuring that new voices with fresh perspectives regularly have the opportunity to serve. This is essential to prevent the corruption of power and the entrenched interests that often come with long-term incumbency. • When members of Congress are not guaranteed a lifetime in office, they are more likely to focus on serving the people rather than worrying about reelection or building a political dynasty.
2. Reducing the Influence of Special Interests • Long-serving politicians often become too comfortable with special interest groups and lobbyists, which can result in decisions that prioritize corporate or party interests over the needs of the people. • Term limits ensure that politicians do not have an extended period to build these relationships and rely on outside influence to maintain power, helping to keep them more accountable to their voters.
3. Empowering the Voters • Term limits would give voters the power to continually elect fresh leaders, rather than being forced to choose between long-standing incumbents with entrenched power.
• It allows for the diversification of political representation, ensuring that different voices from various backgrounds and communities are heard in Congress.Reagan’s leadership was characterized by:
1. Strong Principles and Values • Reagan was unwavering in his commitment to conservative principles, especially when it came to promoting individual freedom, economic opportunity, and national security. His clear, principled stance on issues helped him maintain a consistent, trustworthy leadership style.
• As a Representative, I strive to embody similar values—always putting America first, advocating for family values, personal freedom, and policies that benefit working families.Why don’t skeletons fight each other?
Because they don’t have the guts! HahaShe told me how she was always worried about healthcare costs for herself and her family. She worked hard, but the financial strain was overwhelming, and at times, she felt like she was just staying afloat rather than moving forward. She also expressed concerns about the direction our country was heading and how she felt that her hard work was often taken for granted by out-of-touch politicians in Washington.
This story stuck with me because it is reflective of what so many hardworking families face in Kentucky and across America. People like her are the backbone of this country—putting in long hours, making personal sacrifices, and doing their best to provide for their loved ones. Yet, many find themselves stuck in a system that doesn’t always support their needs or recognize their efforts.
Her story reinforced why I am running for Congress. The people of Kentucky’s 4th District deserve a representative who understands their struggles and will fight to give them a fair chance to thrive. It’s clear that we need to lower the cost of living, improve access to healthcare, support small businesses, and protect Kentucky jobs from government overreach. Above all, we need politicians who listen to the people and are committed to bringing real change to their lives.1. Hold the Executive Branch Accountable • The House should use its investigative powers to ensure that the executive branch is operating in accordance with the law and in the best interest of the American people. This includes investigating potential abuses of power, corruption, or mismanagement within federal agencies or departments. When elected, I would advocate for vigorous oversight of areas such as the Department of Justice, immigration, national security, and the Department of Health and Human Services, where transparency and accountability are paramount. • Investigations can help expose governmental failures and make sure that taxpayer money is being spent efficiently and appropriately.
2. Investigate Wasteful Government Spending • One of the key duties of Congress is to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. The House should use its investigative powers to uncover wasteful spending, fraud, or misallocation of resources. This could include investigating the spending practices of federal programs or scrutinizing military contracts and social welfare programs to ensure they are being used effectively and that resources are going to where they are most needed. • Focusing on budgetary oversight can help cut unnecessary expenses and direct funds toward more productive purposes, such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare for families in Kentucky.
3. Protect the Integrity of Elections
• The House has an obligation to ensure that elections are free, fair, and transparent. Investigations into potential election fraud, voter suppression, or foreign interference should be a top priority1. Committee on Armed Services • As we face growing global threats, including from China, Russia, and Iran, I am deeply committed to strengthening our national defense and military readiness. Serving on this committee would allow me to advocate for a stronger military, ensure that our troops are properly equipped and supported, and defend America’s interests abroad. • Additionally, it would provide an opportunity to address veterans’ issues, ensuring our veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve.
2. Committee on Appropriations • This committee plays a pivotal role in government spending decisions. I am committed to ensuring that taxpayer money is spent efficiently and responsibly. Serving on the Appropriations Committee would allow me to directly influence the allocation of resources, making sure we prioritize funding for vital needs like defense, infrastructure, healthcare, and education, while also cutting out wasteful spending and reducing the national debt. • I am particularly interested in fighting for fiscal responsibility and ensuring that the government is accountable to the people.
3. Committee on Judiciary • As someone who is passionate about protecting the Constitution, serving on the Judiciary Committee would provide an opportunity to influence key legal issues, including defending individual rights, protecting the Second Amendment, ensuring election integrity, and tackling immigration reform. • Additionally, it would give me the platform to advocate for justice reform and ensure the legal system serves the needs of every American citizen.
4. Committee on Homeland Security
• With the growing concern over border security, terrorism, and cybersecurity, this committee would be a critical platform for addressing nati1. Financial Transparency • Taxpayers deserve to know where their money is going. Government spending must be transparent, and public funds should be used efficiently to benefit American citizens, not squandered on wasteful projects or political agendas. • I will fight for clear and accessible reports on government spending, ensuring taxpayers can easily track how their money is being used. • There should be no hidden deals or backdoor spending. Federal budgets and appropriations must be fully transparent, and government agencies should be required to provide detailed accounting for their expenditures.
2. Government Accountability • Accountability is a cornerstone of democracy. Elected officials must answer to the people, not to special interest groups or partisan elites. • I will hold federal agencies accountable by ensuring that there are robust oversight mechanisms in place, including regular audits and investigations of government programs. • I will advocate for stronger protections against government waste and fraud and push for laws that hold public officials accountable for any misuse of power, including corruption and abuse of office.
3. Fighting Wasteful Spending
• I am committed to reducing the size of government by eliminating wasteful spending and focusing federal resources on essential services that benefit the American people.
You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:
Campaign advertisements
This section includes a selection of up to three campaign advertisements per candidate released in this race, as well as links to candidates' YouTube, Vimeo, and/or Facebook video pages. If you are aware of other links that should be included, please email us.
Thomas Massie
View more ads here:
Ed Gallrein
View more ads here:
Noteworthy endorsements
This section lists noteworthy endorsements issued in this election, including those made by high-profile individuals and organizations, cross-party endorsements, and endorsements made by newspaper editorial boards. It also includes a bulleted list of links to official lists of endorsements for any candidates who published that information on their campaign websites. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you are aware of endorsements that should be included, please click here.
| Noteworthy endorsements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Endorser | Thomas Massie | Ed Gallrein
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| Government officials | ||
| President Donald Trump (R) source | ✔ | |
| U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R) source | ✔ | |
Polls
- See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls
We provide results for polls that are included in polling aggregation from RealClearPolitics, when available. We will regularly check for polling aggregation for this race and add polls here once available. To notify us of polls available for this race, please email us.
Race ratings
- See also: Race rating definitions and methods
Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:
- Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
- Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
- Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.[7]
- Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.
Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.[8][9][10]
| Race ratings: Kentucky's 4th Congressional District election, 2026 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Race tracker | Race ratings | ||||||||
| 1/20/2026 | 1/13/2026 | 1/6/2026 | 12/23/2025 | ||||||
| The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | |||||
| Decision Desk HQ and The Hill | Pending | Pending | Pending | Pending | |||||
| Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | |||||
| Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball | Safe Republican | Safe Republican | Safe Republican | Safe Republican | |||||
| Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week. | |||||||||
Campaign finance
Candidate Spending
| Name | Party | Receipts* | Disbursements** | Cash on hand | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Massie | Republican Party | $1,813,513 | $706,769 | $2,013,753 | As of September 30, 2025 |
| Nicole Lee Ethington | Republican Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
| Ed Gallrein | Republican Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
|
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." |
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Satellite spending
- See also: Satellite spending
Satellite spending describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees, super PACs, trade associations, and 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups.[11][12]
If available, satellite spending reports by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and OpenSecrets.org are linked below. FEC links include totals from monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual reports. OpenSecrets.org compiles data from those reports as well as 24- and 48-hour reports from the FEC.[13]
Details about satellite spending of significant amounts and/or reported by media are included below those links. The amounts listed may not represent the total satellite spending in the election. To notify us of additional satellite spending, email us.
| By candidate | By election |
|---|---|
District analysis
Click the tabs below to view information about voter composition, past elections, and demographics in both the district and the state.
- District map - A map of the district in place for the election.
- Competitiveness - Information about the competitiveness of 2026 U.S. House elections in the state.
- Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the district and the state.
- State party control - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.
Below is the district map in place for this election. Click the map below to enlarge it.
Partisan Voter Index
Heading into the 2026 elections, based on results from the 2024 and 2020 presidential elections, the Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district is R+18. This meant that in those two presidential elections, this district's results were 18 percentage points more Republican than the national average. This made Kentucky's 4th the 50th most Republican district nationally.[14]
2020 presidential election results
The table below shows what the vote in the 2024 presidential election was in this district. The presidential election data was compiled by The Downballot.
Kamala Harris  | Donald Trump |
|---|---|
| 31.0% | 67.0% |
Presidential voting history
- See also: Presidential election in Kentucky, 2024
Kentucky presidential election results (1900-2024)
- 16 Democratic wins
- 16 Republican wins
| Year | 1900 | 1904 | 1908 | 1912 | 1916 | 1920 | 1924 | 1928 | 1932 | 1936 | 1940 | 1944 | 1948 | 1952 | 1956 | 1960 | 1964 | 1968 | 1972 | 1976 | 1980 | 1984 | 1988 | 1992 | 1996 | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winning Party | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | D | R | R | D | R | R | R | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R |
Congressional delegation
The table below displays the partisan composition of Kentucky's congressional delegation as of October 2025.
| Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Kentucky | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | U.S. Senate | U.S. House | Total |
| Democratic | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Republican | 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Independent | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vacancies | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 6 | 8 |
State executive
The table below displays the officeholders in Kentucky's top four state executive offices as of October 2025.
| Office | Officeholder |
|---|---|
| Governor | Andy Beshear |
| Lieutenant Governor | Jacqueline Coleman |
| Secretary of State | Michael Adams |
| Attorney General | Russell Coleman |
State legislature
Kentucky State Senate
| Party | As of January 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 6 | |
| Republican Party | 32 | |
| Other | 0 | |
| Vacancies | 0 | |
| Total | 38 | |
Kentucky House of Representatives
| Party | As of January 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 20 | |
| Republican Party | 80 | |
| Other | 0 | |
| Vacancies | 0 | |
| Total | 100 | |
Trifecta control
Kentucky Party Control: 1992-2025
Eight years of Democratic trifectas • Three years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.
| Year | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 00 | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governor | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | D |
| Senate | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R |
| House | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R |
District history
The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2020.
General election
General election for U.S. House Kentucky District 4
Incumbent Thomas Massie (R) defeated Benjamin Middendorf (Independent) in the general election for U.S. House Kentucky District 4 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Thomas Massie (R) | 99.6 | 278,386 |
| Benjamin Middendorf (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.4 | 1,131 | ||
| Total votes: 279,517 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary
The Democratic primary scheduled for May 21, 2024, was canceled.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Matthew Lehman (D)
Republican primary
Republican primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 4
Incumbent Thomas Massie (R) defeated Michael McGinnis (R) and Eric Deters (R) in the Republican primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 4 on May 21, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Thomas Massie | 75.9 | 39,929 |
 | Michael McGinnis | 12.6 | 6,604 | |
 | Eric Deters | 11.5 | 6,060 | |
| Total votes: 52,593 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
General election
General election for U.S. House Kentucky District 4
Incumbent Thomas Massie (R) defeated Matthew Lehman (D) and Ethan Osborne (Independent) in the general election for U.S. House Kentucky District 4 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Thomas Massie (R) | 65.0 | 167,541 |
 | Matthew Lehman (D) | 31.0 | 79,977 | |
 | Ethan Osborne (Independent) | 3.9 | 10,111 | |
| Total votes: 257,629 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary
The Democratic primary scheduled for May 17, 2022, was canceled. Matthew Lehman (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 4 without appearing on the ballot.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Republican primary
Republican primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 4
Incumbent Thomas Massie (R) defeated Claire Wirth (R), Alyssa Dara McDowell (R), and George Washington (R) in the Republican primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 4 on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Thomas Massie | 75.2 | 50,301 |
 | Claire Wirth | 15.7 | 10,521 | |
| Alyssa Dara McDowell | 5.2 | 3,446 | ||
| George Washington | 3.9 | 2,606 | ||
| Total votes: 66,874 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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General election
General election for U.S. House Kentucky District 4
Incumbent Thomas Massie (R) defeated Alexandra Owensby (D) in the general election for U.S. House Kentucky District 4 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Thomas Massie (R) | 67.1 | 256,613 |
 | Alexandra Owensby (D) | 32.9 | 125,896 | |
| Total votes: 382,509 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary
Democratic primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 4
Alexandra Owensby (D) defeated Shannon Fabert (D) in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 4 on June 23, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Alexandra Owensby | 58.4 | 41,531 |
 | Shannon Fabert | 41.6 | 29,557 | |
| Total votes: 71,088 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary
Republican primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 4
Incumbent Thomas Massie (R) defeated Todd McMurtry (R) in the Republican primary for U.S. House Kentucky District 4 on June 23, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Thomas Massie | 81.0 | 68,591 |
 | Todd McMurtry | 19.0 | 16,092 | |
| Total votes: 84,683 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Ballot access
The table below details filing requirements for U.S. House candidates in Kentucky in the 2026 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Kentucky, click here.
| Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2026 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State | Office | Party | Signatures required | Filing fee | Filing deadline | Source |
| Kentucky | U.S. House | Ballot-qualified party | 2 | 500 | 1/9/2026 | Source |
| Kentucky | U.S. House | Unaffiliated | 400 | 500 | 6/2/2026 | Source |
2026 battleground elections
- See also: Battlegrounds
This is a battleground election. Other 2026 battleground elections include:
- Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District election, 2026
- United States Senate election in Iowa, 2026 (June 2 Democratic primary)
- United States Senate election in Texas, 2026
See also
- Kentucky's 4th Congressional District election, 2026 (May 19 Democratic primary)
- Kentucky's 4th Congressional District election, 2026
- United States House elections in Kentucky, 2026 (May 19 Democratic primaries)
- United States House elections in Kentucky, 2026 (May 19 Republican primaries)
- United States House Democratic Party primaries, 2026
- United States House Republican Party primaries, 2026
- United States House of Representatives elections, 2026
- U.S. House battlegrounds, 2026
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Kentucky Lantern, "Thomas Massie, facing Trump’s opposition, gets a hand from billionaire megadonor," December 9, 2025
- ↑ Truth Social, "@realDonaldTrump on October 17, 2025," accessed on Jnauary 19, 2026
- ↑ [https://www.courier-journal.com/story/News/politics/elections/2025/09/23/donald-trump-thomas-massie-2026-primary-election-challengers/86220098007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z11xx54p115250c115250d00----v11xx54d--53--b--53--&gca-ft=171&gca-ds=sophi Louisville Courier Journal, " As Trump pushes to unseat Massie, why have no challengers entered the race?," accessed September 23, 2025]
- ↑ Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "Thomas Massie," accessed January 19, 2026
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Lexington Herald Leader, "Who is Ed Gallrein? Trump-endorsed candidate launches run against Thomas Massie," October 21, 2025
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 LinkedIn, "Ed Gallrein," accessed January 19, 2026
- ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Outside Spending," accessed December 12, 2021
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, All Groups," accessed December 12, 2021
- ↑ Amee LaTour, Email correspondence with the Center for Responsive Politics, August 5, 2022
- ↑ Cook Political Report, "2025 Cook PVI℠: District Map and List (119th Congress)," accessed July 1, 2025
