2026 primary election live updates: Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Idaho and Oregon

President Donald Trump on Wednesday predicted that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will win the GOP U.S. Senate primary runoff in the Lone Star State as well as the general election.

Trump, who waded into the GOP primary runoff on Tuesday by endorsing Paxton over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, said on Wednesday that he thinks Paxton will likely "win very substantially."

He added that he thinks Paxton will move on to beat "a very defective candidate," apparently referring to Talarico, who Trump claimed "believes in six genders," "takes hits at Jesus Christ," and was "wearing a mask six months ago."

"Anybody wearing a mask six months ago doesn't get it," Trump said.

"He's a vegan in Texas. And you can't be elected as a vegan in Texas," Trump asserted.

In March, Talarico spokesperson JT Ennis posted a "statement" from the candidate that consisted of a photo of Talarico eating meat.

"James is building a people-powered movement to take on this broken, corrupt political system – not any one politician, not any one political party, but the billionaire mega donors and puppet politicians who have made life more expensive for Texans while enriching themselves. As costs continue to rise and corruption in Washington runs rampant, James is focused on taking power back for working people and bringing down the price of gas, groceries, and health care," Talarico spokesperson JT Ennis said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital on Wednesday.

In a statement posted on Tuesday regarding Trump's endorsement, Talarico said, "As I said on primary night, it doesn't matter who wins this runoff. We already know who we're running against: the billionaire mega-donors and their corrupt political system. For decades, John Cornyn and Ken Paxton have embodied a broken politics that enriches wealthy donors while costs skyrocket for the rest of us. Our movement to take back Texas for working people rises above party politics --- because the biggest fight in this country is not left versus right, it's top versus bottom."

Two Democrats running to replace Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., are set to duke it out for the Democratic nomination next month. 

Tuberville’s decision to vacate his seat in the upper chamber and pursue a gubernatorial bid in Alabama triggered a mad dash from both parties to find his replacement. 

While several Republicans with elected experience were jockeying for the job, the Democratic field was filled with fresh political blood. Everett Wess and Dakarai Lariett were the top vote getters in the race, and due to Alabama's runoff rules, will again square off on June 16. 

This is an excerpt from an article by Alex Miller

Trump-backed Republican Ed Gallrein declared victory Tuesday after defeating longtime Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., in a stunning GOP primary outcome.

"It was a David versus Goliath. I was the underdog," Gallrein told Sean Hannity after the race was called.

"I want to thank the president. I want to thank the conservative Republicans from this district and my supporters and team because it sends a message that we the people are going to stand up."

This is an excerpt from an article by Taylor Penley

Former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, who decisively defeated Rep. Thomas Massie in the Republican U.S. House primary in Kentucky's 4th District, thanked President Donald Trump in a Wednesday post on X.

"As I reflect on yesterday’s victory, I want to begin by thanking President Donald J. Trump for his support, confidence, and unwavering commitment to fighting for our country and the America First movement," Gallrein noted in a Wednesday post on X. "I am deeply humbled and honored by the trust the people of Kentucky have placed in me. This victory belongs to the hardworking patriots across our Commonwealth who believe in faith, freedom, secure borders, strong families, and putting America first."

Trump, who backed Gallrein, repeatedly lambasted Massie.

The lawmaker has served in Congress since late 2012. His term runs through early 2027.

"While yesterday was a victory worth celebrating, there is still much work to be done. The real mission begins now. I will fight every day to serve the people of Kentucky, support President Trump’s agenda, strengthen our country, and never forget the trust you placed in me," Gallrein asserted in the post. "Thank you again for this incredible honor. I am ready to get to work."

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., has endorsed Rep. Mike Collins for U.S. Senate.

Collins, who scored around 40% of the vote in the Peach State Republican U.S. Senate primary, is advancing to a primary runoff showdown against former college football coach Derek Dooley, who earned about 30% of the vote.

"Congratulations to my friend and MAGA Warrior @MikeCollinsGA!" Emmer declared in a Wednesday post on X. "I am honored to give Mike my strongest endorsement as he fights to become Georgia’s next Senator. I know he will deliver great results!"

The GOP U.S. Senate primary runoff in Georgia will occur next month.

In Beaver County Pennsylvania, Republican activist Scott Presler was elected to serve on the Republican State Committee.

"Yes, I was elected to the State Committee for Beaver County, Pennsylvania. This is the first time I’ve run for office," Presler noted in a post on X.

The outcome was unsurprising: The Republican Committee of Beaver County noted in a Facebook post last month that it had "5 Beaver County Republican State Committee Member seats available for the 2026 Election" and "5 people who want those seats."

Presler, the founder of Early Vote Action, has committed to vote how the majority of county Republicans want him to, even if he does not agree with the majority's view.

"I promise to bring up agenda items to voters BEFORE the State Committee votes on issues," he pledged in the post on X. "I promise to do polls & speak with voters in Beaver County BEFORE voting on issues," he continued. "I promise to vote the way the majority of Republicans in Beaver County want — even if I personally disagree."

"Thank you to the Republican voters of Beaver County for believing in me," he added.

Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones on Wednesday called on Republican gubernatorial runoff opponent Rick Jackson to participate in another televised debate ahead of the June 16 runoff election.

Jones and healthcare billionaire Jackson outlasted six other candidates in Tuesday's crowded Georgia Republican gubernatorial primary. Jones led the field with roughly 38% of the vote, while Jackson followed with roughly 32%, but neither secured the outright majority needed.

In a statement released by his campaign, Jones, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, criticized Jackson over allegations related to undocumented workers and referenced an ongoing legal dispute in Forsyth County.

"Last time Rick Jackson was on stage, he claimed he couldn't remember if he had illegal aliens working for him. Since then, he's been caught up in Forsyth County Court trying to avoid paying an illegal alien workman's compensation after he got injured on his property," Jones said in a statement. "I think voters would be well-served to hear from Rick Jackson again and see if he's gotten himself better acquainted with the truth since his last time on the debate stage."

Jones’ campaign also accused Jackson of "hiding behind slick ads and dark money groups" and alleged Jackson "has a record of employing illegal aliens, investing in politicians like Stacey Abrams and Liz Cheney, and helping to find doctors to perform transgender surgeries on children."

Jackson has not publicly responded to the debate challenge. Fox News Digital reached out to Jackson's campaign for comment on the allegations brought by Jones' campaign. Jackson campaign spokesperson Mike Schrimpf said in a statement, "Rick is happy to compare his record as a conservative outsider and businessman who is focused on delivering results for Georgians with Burt Jones' record of self-dealing and killing property tax relief for Georgia families."

The Jones campaign said it is urging Georgia media organizations to host at least one televised debate before the runoff and said it is prepared to coordinate on a date, time and location.

After Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., lost the Republican U.S. House primary in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District to President Donald Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein on Tuesday, former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene declared that the future of the GOP had been "destroyed."

"I am proud and thankful to have served in the U.S. House of Representatives with my friend Thomas Massie, a giant among weak pathetic men. Releasing the Epstein files was our demise. But it was worth every single bit because now everyone knows the truth. You are ruled by the Epstein class that cares nothing about you and your elected leaders are bought and controlled by a foreign lobby," she wrote in a post on X.

"Tonight the future of the Republican Party was destroyed. The Real America First Movement will rise led by the younger generations, who hate the old guard with an unquenchable passion. Let us pray that we have a country left by the time these creatures are gone," Greene added.

Massie fired back at GOP Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana after the congresswoman wrote in a post on X, "Happy to deliver the news to President @realDonaldTrump the results from the KY Primary and his defeat of Thomas Massie. Well done, @TeamTrump! Congratulations @EdGallrein!" 

"How do his boots taste?" Massie replied.

This is an excerpt from an article by Alex Nitzberg.

Vernon Jones and Tim Fleming are heading to a runoff after neither claimed at least 50% of the vote in Georgia’s Republican primary for secretary of state on Tuesday.

The Republican field included Jones, Fleming, Gabriel Sterling, Kelvin King and Ted Metz, while Democrats Cam Ashling, Dana Barrett, Adrian Consonery Jr. and Penny Brown Reynolds competed for their party’s nomination for Georgia’s top election officer.

The race underscored how disputes stemming from the 2020 presidential election, including claims from President Donald Trump that the contest was stolen, continue to shape debates over voting laws and election security years later.

The winner of the runoff on June 16 will advance to the general election in November, where control of the office overseeing voter registration, election certification and ballot administration is expected to remain a closely watched issue in one of the nation’s most competitive battleground states.

Jones, a former Democratic state lawmaker turned Trump ally, campaigned as a staunch supporter of the president and emerged as a fierce critic of the state’s election system.

Fleming previously worked in the secretary of state’s office when current Republican Gov. Brian Kemp held the position. The former chairman of the Georgia Republican Party pitched himself as a conservative focused on tightening election procedures.

This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News Digital's Amanda Macias.

Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former mayor of Atlanta and adviser to former President Joe Biden, celebrated her Democratic nomination for Georgia governor Tuesday night by vowing to stand up to President Donald Trump if elected.

Bottoms will face either Rick Jackson or Trump-endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who are set to compete in a June 16 GOP runoff to determine the Republican nominee to succeed Gov. Brian Kemp.

During her victory speech, Bottoms said Georgians made clear they want a “fighter.”

“Georgians sent a clear message tonight that they want a fighter,” she said. “Someone who will stand up to Donald Trump and all of the chaos that’s raising costs, that’s hurt our economy, that threatens rights that generations before us fought and died for.”

Bottoms argued her potential Republican opponents would do the opposite.

“They certainly do not see Donald Trump as someone to stand up to,” she said. “They want to be like him.”

“So no matter who emerges from their runoff, the choice this November will be clear,” Bottoms continued. “Burt Jones and Rick Jackson have spent their lives enriching themselves and are running for governor to do just that. I’ll be a governor who will always fight for you.”

Rep. Mike Collins, who advanced to the runoff election for Georgia’s GOP Senate nomination, took several jabs at his chief rival during his post-election speech Tuesday night.

Collins portrayed his political opponents as establishment-aligned elites, pointing to rival Derek Dooley’s significant financial backing from allies of Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and Kemp-aligned political action committees.

“Looking at the result tonight, it shows that nominees are not picked on West Paces Ferry,” he said, referring to the affluent Buckhead neighborhood in Atlanta long associated with Georgia’s political and business establishment.

He then took aim at Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., arguing that he would prevail in November despite heavy fundraising support for the Democratic incumbent from liberal strongholds on the coasts.

“In November, we're going to show that Georgia Senators are not picked by California and New York donors."

“They’re picked by Georgians who want to reward candidates who are authentic, who mean what they say, who do what they promise. And just like what I've done in Congress and the bipartisan way. And all the while, I’ve still held true to those conservative values.”

The eventual Republican nominee will face Ossoff in the fall in a key Senate race Republicans hope to flip

Fox News contributor Kaylee McGhee White called the loss of Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., on Tuesday evening a self-inflicted wound for the Kentucky maverick.

“Thomas Massie has no one to blame but himself here,” White said. “When was the last time you heard Thomas Massie over the past few months mention a single issue important to Kentuckians?”

Massie drew the ire of President Donald Trump in repeated clashes with the administration, arguing that Trump had drifted away from many of his core campaign promises.

In particular, Massie criticized Trump for, in his view, failing to curb government spending, reversing commitments to stay away from foreign military engagements, and failing to deliver on promises to increase government transparency, such as the Epstein Files.

White said she believed some of those topics weren’t front and center for primary voters.

“I don’t even think this is all President Donald Trump’s doing. He’s been hyper-focused on niche issues — things that maybe the podcast world thinks are great but things that don’t matter to everyday Kentuckians,” White said.

The primary, the most expensive primary to date, drew over $30 million campaign spending.

Alabama’s U.S. Senate primary races are set to head to overtime after neither party appears it will settle its nominee Tuesday night.

Rep. Barry Moore, R-Ala., was in first as 99% of the votes were counted, according to the Associated Press, which indicated he will be among one of the candidates in the GOP runoff. However, it appears he will not garner the needed majority threshold to advance, which will lead to a Republican runoff in the race to replace Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is leaving the Senate to run for governor.

Moore, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, emerged from a crowded GOP field, while Republican Navy SEAL Jared Hudson is followed closely by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall with 99% of the votes counted going into Wednesday morning. Moore's challenger has not yet been declared, per the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, Democrats are also heading to a runoff, with Dakarai Larriett and Everett Wess garnering the top two spots to advance to that election.

The eventual Republican nominee will be heavily favored in November in deep-red Alabama.

Repeat Democratic candidate David Roth secured the Democratic nomination for Senate in Idaho on Tuesday evening, marking his most recent attempt to reach elected office.

He now faces long odds against incumbent Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, 83, who is pursuing a fourth term.

Risch has held the seat since 2009.

Roth has run for several offices before but has so far not found success in the heavily Republican state.

Roth first ran for the Idaho House of Representatives in 2020, secured a Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in 2022 but lost in the general election and similarly pursued a bid for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024.

“In my office at home, I have a sign on the wall that says ‘patience is a virtue but persistence to the point of success is a blessing,’” Roth said in remarks in 2022.

Having cleared the Democratic primary, Roth will face off against Risch on Nov. 3. Risch last won reelection in a 62.6% to 33.2% victory over Democratic challenger Paulette Jordan.

Democrat Sen. Jon Ossoff's campaign sharply attacked Georgia Republicans Mike Collins and Derek Dooley on Tuesday night after the two advanced to a GOP runoff in the state’s closely watched Senate race.

In a statement released following the Republican primary, Ossoff campaign Communications Director Ellie Dougherty attacked both candidates as closely tied to President Donald Trump and mocked their political and professional backgrounds.

“After Brian Kemp’s crushing refusal to run for Senate, Trump puppets Collins and Dooley have made themselves terminally inseparable from the toxic president,” Dougherty said.

“Now the failed congressman who is only a congressman because his daddy was a congressman and the failed coach who was only a coach because his daddy was a coach limp into a monthlong race-to-the-bottom that will surely leave both broke and unelectable,” Dougherty continued. “Meanwhile, the juggernaut Ossoff campaign will continue building insurmountable momentum to win decisively in November.”

Democrat Terri Pickens has won the party’s nomination for governor in Idaho, according to the Associated Press.

The Boise attorney, who entered the primary as the clear favorite, now faces a steep uphill battle in November against incumbent Republican Gov. Brad Little in the deep-red state, where Democrats have struggled for decades to win statewide office.

Pickens was previously the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in 2022, advancing through the primary unopposed before losing the general election to Republican Scott Bedke.

Her victory followed a crowded Democratic gubernatorial primary in which she defeated Maxine Durand, Jill Kirkham and Chanelle Torrez.

Pickens has been a major critic of Little and Idaho’s Republican supermajority, with her campaign centered on public education, abortion rights and opposition to “culture war” politics.

Former George Bush press secretary Ari Fleischer said that Tuesday's primary results show that the GOP is the only political party "where it's safe to be proudly Jewish and pro-Israel."

Fleischer said the Tuesday primary results indicated "Republicans continued their habit" of getting rid of "anti-Israel candidates," and showed Democrats continue to embrace "virulently anti-Israel" candidates.

Fleischer cited the defeat of Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and the victory of socialist Chris Rabb, who clinched the Democratic Party nomination in the Philadelphia-based 3rd Congressional district in Pennsylvania. He also invoked Texas congressional candidate Maureen Galindo, who has been criticized by members of her own party over her anti-Israel comments.

"Republicans tonight continued their habit of ridding the party of anti-Israel candidates (Thomas Massie) while D primary winners are virulently anti- Israel (Chris Raab PA-3) and blatantly anti-Jewish in TX-35, where the leading D in a run off says she wants to put Jews (zionists) in detention centers," Fleischer said Tuesday night. "The GOP is the only party where it’s safe to be proudly Jewish and pro-Israel."

Former football coach Derek Dooley struck a triumphant tone Tuesday night after advancing to Georgia’s Republican Senate runoff, casting himself as an outsider battling entrenched political forces in Washington.

“Tonight, guys. We punched our ticket to the runoff, and that's what it's all about. That's our goal,” Dooley said Tuesday night. “Ten months ago, we were holding at 0%. All right. Two months ago, we were polling at 10%. And everybody's saying it's over. Collins is running away with it.

“And guess what? The D.C. crowd, governor…they've been attacking me. They didn't want an outsider. They want an insider because they're all in bed together,” he continued. “That's why we were attacked before I was even announced as a candidate. It wasn't because their ideas were better. It wasn't because they were better equipped to represent the Georgia people."

“We were attacked because we were a threat to what's going on up there in D.C.,” Dooley added.

Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., and former football coach Derek Dooley will face off in a runoff election to secure the GOP senate nomination in Georgia after neither candidate secured a majority of the vote on Tuesday.

Primary voters will decide the matter on June 16. The eventual nominee will take on Democratic incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., in the November general election — a key seat Republicans hope to flip.

Notably, President Donald Trump has yet to make an endorsement in the race.

To Ossoff's campaign, it doesn't matter which opponent they face in November."

Regardless of which Trump puppet makes it out of this messy and brutal GOP primary, they will be bruised and terminally inseparable from the toxic president," Ossoff campaign spokesperson Ellie Doughtery told Fox News Digital in a statement.

"Meanwhile, the juggernaut Ossoff campaign will continue building insurmountable momentum to win decisively in November."

Ossoff last won election in 2021 in a 50.06% - 49.4% victory over Republican Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga.

Socialist candidate for Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District, state Rep. Chris Rabb, clinched his party's nomination in the deep blue Philadelphia-based district.

"There is a new Democratic Socialist in Congress," Democratic-Socialists of America (DSA) official X account posted. "We will be with Congressman Rabb every step of the way in the fight to abolish ICE, free Palestine and win Medicare for All."

Rabb will now advance to the general election. He would become DSA’s second nationally endorsed U.S. representative if he wins.

With roughly 90% of the votes counted Tuesday evening, Rabb's closest competitor, Sharif Street, came about 20,000 votes short, according to the Associated Press.

Keisha Lance Bottoms, a former mayor of Atlanta and advisor to President Joe Biden, won a Democratic nomination for Georgia governor on Tuesday evening.

Bottoms is a former Atlanta mayor, judge, and city councilmember who led the city through the pandemic, implemented major housing and civil rights initiatives, and later served as Senior Advisor to President Joe Biden, overseeing national public engagement efforts, according to her website.

Bottoms centered her campaign around issues like housing, education and healthcare.

Notably, Bottoms received an endorsement from former President Joe Biden.

“I’ve known her a long time. And she’s something special,” Biden said in a promo video.

“Keisha’s tenure as mayor left $180 million in the bank without raising property taxes,” Biden said, noting her record with balancing the city’s bottom line.

Having cleared the primary, Bottoms will run in the general election on Nov. 3.

Former Sen. Doug Jones on Tuesday won Alabama’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, according to the Associated Press.

Jones now heads into a difficult general election fight against Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who easily secured the Republican nomination in the race to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Kay Ivey.

No Democrat has won Alabama’s governorship in nearly three decades. The last was former Gov. Don Siegelman in 1998.

Tuberville, a close ally of President Donald Trump, has the president’s endorsement in the race.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued full-throated re-election endorsements for the lieutenant governors of Nevada and Idaho.

“Stavros Anthony has been a fantastic Lieutenant Governor for the Great People of Nevada!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that Anthony has his “Complete and Total Endorsement.”

Anthony thanked the president in a post on X, writing, “Thank you, President Trump, for your support for my re-election and for your support for Nevada.

Trump also endorsed Idaho Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke, calling him “a tremendous Lieutenant Governor of Idaho” and praising his leadership in a state Trump said he “WON BIG” in 2016, 2020 and 2024.

The endorsements follow Trump’s previous backing of Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo and Idaho Gov. Brad Little for re-election last year.

This is an excerpt from an article by Alex Nitzberg.

Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., advanced Tuesday to the Republican runoff in Georgia’s closely watched U.S. Senate race as Republicans search for a challenger to Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, according to the Associated Press.

Collins, a two-term congressman and owner of a family trucking business, has centered much of his campaign on immigration enforcement and support for President Donald Trump while representing a district east of Atlanta.

Georgia Republicans are battling for the chance to challenge Ossoff, with Collins and Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., emphasizing their conservative records in Congress while former college football coach Derek Dooley has campaigned as a political outsider.

There was no immediate decision Tuesday night on whether Carter or Dooley would advance to face Collins in the runoff election.

Ossoff, 39, is seeking another term in one of the nation’s most competitive Senate contests and is the only Democratic senator up for reelection this cycle in a state Trump carried in 2024.

Bob Brooks, the firefighter union boss endorsed by leaders of both wings of the Democratic Party, was projected to win the hotly-contested Democratic primary to face Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District.

Mackenzie won his last race in an upset against Rep. Susan Wild, D-Pa., who had endorsed Carol Obando-Derstine in Brooks' primary.

Meanwhile, Brooks enjoyed the heavy-handed endorsements of Gov. Josh Shapiro, seen as a moderate in the party nationally, and socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

Brooks' campaign was not without controversy, however, as he weathered criticism following the resurfacing of previous social media posts criticizing former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and defending gun rights after a mass shooting.

Brooks defeated Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure — the only local elected official in the race, who himself failed to gain much traction at first, as well as Ryan Crosswell — a former federal prosecutor who resigned in protest of the Trump DOJ's dropping of an investigation into former New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Obando-Derstine finished fourth.

The rapidly changing 7th District is quickly moving away from its centuries of agrarian and industrial roots and becoming an exurban bedroom community for New York City and Philadelphia amid a surge of warehousing and trucking firms that often raise the ire of the native locals.

With those changes come political ones, as the once-reliably moderate-Republican and Reagan-Democrat area has shifted its gaze toward more progressive candidates like Lehigh County Executive Joshua Siegel — whose board is considering a wealth tax this year.

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., lamented Thomas Massie's defeat Tuesday night in a video posted to social media welcoming him and anyone else to a "'new generation of populist Democrats" the California congressman said is about putting "the working class ahead of the Epstein class."

Massie lost his primary race amid the Kentucky congressman's latest bid for reelection, which followed several public disagreements between him and President Donald Trump during his second term, including over the release of files pertaining to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Trump, meanwhile, railed against Massie as he attempted to win reelection, pressure that turned out to be a death knell for Massie.

"He lost because he had the guts to stand up to the Epstein class. He lost because he had the guts to stand up against the war in Iran," Khanna said. "I'm angered by the smears on his character."

Khanna noted how Massie performed well with younger voters, before launching into remarks about welcoming people like Massie and others to his side of the aisle.

"Tonight, I say to this voters who feel rejected by Trump. We welcome you. Join our coalition to take on a rotten system and stand for the working class over the Epstein class," Khanna invited. "We will build a movement to stand for Team America."

The New York Republican who was accosted with a diatribe by Sen. Rand Paul’s son about Jews purportedly potentially causing Rep. Thomas Massie’s loss hit back Tuesday after it was clear Massie would indeed lose to challenger Ed Gallrein.

Gallrein was the Trump-endorsed, pro-Israel Republican in the race, and Paul’s son William famously became combative when he encountered Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., at a Washington, D.C. bar last week.

“My people have spoken. Shalom, Thomas Massie,” Lawler quipped in a tweet late Tuesday.

Lawler and William Paul encountered each other at Tune Inn late one evening, where Paul angrily and drunkenly told the lawmaker that if Massie lost, it would be “because of [his] people.”

When Lawler asked who his “people” were, Paul replied “Jews.”

Lawler – who is Catholic – represents heavily-Orthodox; and heavily-Catholic; Rockland County along the New Jersey line.

Lawler previously said Paul apologized when he found out he wasn’t Jewish – and went on to flip off the lawmaker and trip on his way out of the bar.

Lawler himself is in one of New York’s more closely-watched seats, as the suburban county across the Tappan-Zee Bridge from Westchester and just north of New York City is a perennial swing district itself.

Zach Dembo, a former U.S. attorney and Kentucky gubernatorial policy advisor, won a primary on Tuesday evening in a bid to fill Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District seat.

Although they now have their candidate, Democrats will face an uphill road to a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in the November general election to replace outgoing Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky.

Dembo began his career as an eighth grade English teacher before going on to law school and serving in the United States Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, according to his website.

In 2017, he spent some time as a federal prosecutor and then was tapped by Gov. Beshear to become a policy advisor and legislative director.

Dembo cited Trump’s use of the Justice Department as the catalyst that prompted him to pursue office.

"When Donald Trump started using your justice department to go after his political enemies, I resigned," Dembo said in a campaign video. 

Notably, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear didn't make an endorsement in the Democratic primary for Kentucky 6th Congressional district.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries touted Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti on Tuesday night after she advanced unopposed in Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District, a key battleground race Democrats are targeting in November.

"Mayor @PaigeGCognetti will flip #PA08 blue in November to take on D.C. corruption and make life more affordable for Pennsylvanians!" Jeffries said, after slamming her GOP opponent for being corrupt.

"Rob Bresnahan promised to ban Congressional stock trading on the campaign trail, but quickly became one of the most notorious offenders in office," Jeffries pointed out in his X post congratulating Cognetti for winning an unopposed primary.

Cognetti recently criticized former President Joe Biden's handling of the southern border amid her bid to win the battleground 8th district in Pennsylvania, calling it "a huge misstep" and "really terrible" during a March podcast appearance.

The House hopeful, however, did not appear to publicly criticize the administration’s border policies while Biden was president. Meanwhile, in August 2023, Cognetti co-signed a letter with a handful of Pennsylvania mayors appearing to approve of the Biden administration’s approach to the border.

Cognetti, who has served as the mayor of Biden’s hometown since 2020, is vying to unseat freshman Rep. Rob Bresnahan in November’s midterm elections. The Northeastern Pennsylvania contest promises to be one of the most competitive House elections this year.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville has won the Republican primary for Alabama governor.

With President Donald Trump’s endorsement, Tuberville is considered the heavy favorite to win November’s general election in the reliably Republican state.

He will now face former Democratic Sen. Doug Jones in the general election in order to succeed outgoing GOP Gov. Kay Ivey, who is term-limited and ineligible to run for re-election.

Tuberville is a retired college football coach who spent a decade leading Auburn University in Alabama.

He was elected to the Senate in 2020 after campaigning as an outsider closely aligned with Trump.

Fox News Digital's Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a top ally of President Donald Trump, celebrated dairy farmer Ed Gallrein's upset victory in Kentucky on Tuesday.

Gallrein, a military veteran, defeated libertarian-leaning Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who drew the ire of Trump on multiple subjects including the Epstein files and war powers.

"The power of Donald Trump is real," Graham wrote on X.

"Congratulations to Ed Gallrein for an amazing victory against serious opposition. I believe he will bring a lot to the U.S House of Representatives. He is a warrior and businessman — someone who has truly sacrificed for our nation."

Despite the heated rhetoric elsewhere in the race, Graham offered praise for Massie's tenure in Congress — saying the two had "many differences" but that Massie was admirable for always staying "true to his beliefs" and fighting for his causes.

"I wish him and his family well," Graham said.

Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa., a member of the far-left “Squad,” won the Democratic nomination for Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.

Lee, a member of the far-left “Squad,” has become known for her progressive politics and support for pro-Palestinian causes.

The Pennsylvania Democrat drew backlash in April after suggesting during a campaign rally that wealthy Americans were the real “enemy” in the country’s political divide.

“I see other people who are fighting like hell to make you feel like your enemy is sitting next to you,” Lee said during the event. “That your enemy is somebody who worships differently than you are, or looks differently than you are, comes from a different socioeconomic background than you, unless they are the upper class.”

Lee made the remarks during a rally headlined by left-wing streamer Hasan Piker, who has faced criticism over comments about the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Israel and the Chinese Communist Party. Lee later defended her appearance at the event and said critics were focusing on the wrong issue.

Rep. Clay Fuller, R-Ga., won a 14-way primary on Tuesday evening with backing with President Donald Trump in Georgia's 14th congressional district.

Fuller’s win adds to a pile of victories for Trump as he continued to cement his influence across GOP primaries in Georgia, Kentucky and Alabama.

Fuller, a local district attorney and a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard who's served in the Air Force since 2009, already won an election to Congress earlier this year in a special election to fill the seat of former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga.

In that race, he pitched himself as a candidate closely aligned with the administration.

"I think the voters in Georgia 14 understand that, and they're looking forward to sending a MAGA America first fighter up on Capitol Hill to support that agenda,” Fuller said then.

The congressional seat — which stretches from Atlanta's outer suburbs to the state's northwest borders with Alabama and Tennessee — was left vacant earlier this year when Greene quit Congress with a year left in her term, after a very public falling out with Trump mostly over her push to release the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Having secured the GOP nomination, Fuller will run in the seat’s general election on Nov. 3.

Ralph Alvarado, a Trump-backed physician and Republican candidate for Congress in Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District, won a GOP primary on Tuesday evening just days after securing President Donald Trump’s backing.

Alvarado’s victory adds to Trump’s long list of wins on Tuesday as his candidates stormed to primary victories across Kentucky, Georgia and Pennsylvania.

Alvarado, who has positioned himself as a pro-Trump, America First candidate, strengthens the president’s record of endorsements in a state that’s produced a handful of the administration’s most vocal critics within his party.

Amid frustrations with Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Trump praised Alvarado’s alignment in his endorsement message.

"A true friend to MAGA, RALPH HAS BEEN WITH US FROM THE VERY BEGINNING!" Trump said in a post to social media on Monday.

The president noted Alvarado’s efforts to turn out Hispanic voters in 2016 as a member of the National Hispanic Advisory Council for Trump.

"Dr. Ralph Alvarado has my complete and total endorsement to be the next representative from Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District," Trump added.

Although Alvarado must still win the general election, his district has leaned heavily Republican in the past. Its incumbent, Barr, last won reelection in 2024 in a 63% to 37% victory over Democratic challenger Randy Cravens.

Former Lancaster NBC affiliate anchor Janelle Stelson won her primary to advance to a rematch against House Freedom Caucus stalwart Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., on Tuesday.

Perry, an outspoken conservative, narrowly defeated Stelson in 2024 -- as Stelson on Tuesday defeated Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas for the opportunity to seek a redux.

The seat is considered one of the most contested Republican-held seats in the nation, in America's most recognizable swing state where at least two other Republican-held districts are also in the balance.

Two key candidates in Georgia have advanced to the Republican primary runoff for governor.

Billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson and Trump-endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones will face off in a June 16 GOP runoff to determine the party’s nominee to succeed Gov. Brian Kemp.

Jackson and Jones advanced after defeating Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Attorney General Chris Carr.

Under Georgia’s primary rules, a candidate must win at least 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff, setting up a closely watched intraparty contest between business interests and a Trump-aligned contender.

Jones secured President Donald Trump’s endorsement back in August 2025, while Jackson reportedly spent at least $50 million of his own money to transform himself from a political newcomer into a serious gubernatorial candidate.

Former Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger – a thorn in President Donald Trump’s side following the 2020 election – has lost his bid for governor as his two opponents advance to an upcoming runoff.

Raffensperger became a national name for publicly defending Georgia’s election results amid a barrage of MAGA criticism.

Instead, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones – one of Trump’s earliest national backers – and self-made billionaire Rick Jackson will advance to the GOP runoff election.

Jackson’s wealth and self-funding helped explode the race’s expenditures, as Politico reported the businessman spent $65 million of his own funds on the race while Jones raised and expended $28 million.

Raffensperger’s loss follows another Trump foe’s dispatchment, as Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky failed to move on to the general election to face reelection.

Dairy farmer and military veteran Ed Gallrein upset Massie, after earning Trump’s full-throated endorsement.

A large backdrop sign toppled toward Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Benjamin Franklin reenactor and a woman portraying Betsy Ross on Thursday as the governor unveiled headliners for the “Commonwealth Concert Series” ahead of America’s 250th birthday.

Shapiro announced five free concerts across Pennsylvania funded through the state’s Marketing to Attract Marquis Events program. While unveiling the final show in Pittsburgh at Point State Park, the large “America250PA” backdrop crashed forward, nearly clipping the group on stage.

“You all right, Doctor Franklin?” Shapiro asked after the fall.

“I feel like Sandra Day O’Connor,” Franklin replied, referencing a 2003 Philadelphia incident when a beam nearly struck the former Supreme Court justice during a Constitution Center event.

Before the sign fell, Shapiro announced acts including Lady A, The Fray, Cole Swindell and Gabby Barrett. He later finished the announcement, revealing Third Eye Blind and Nelly would headline the Pittsburgh finale.

This is an excerpt from an article by Charles Creitz.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom weighed in on the hottest race in Kentucky on Tuesday, giving a nod to ousted Rep. Thomas Massie for pressing the DOJ to release the Epstein files.

Newsom said President Donald Trump "defeated the sole Republican" to push for the dossier's release and suggested the Republican Party is in political shambles.

"[This] tells you everything you need to know about Trump — and what’s left of the feckless GOP," Newsom wrote on X.

Ed Gallrein, a dairy farmer and political newcomer, was endorsed by Trump but ripped by Massie for refusing to publicly debate him.

Massie's loss caps off about a decade in office as one of the topline libertarian-leaning Republicans of the 21st century in Congress.

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity will face off in Pennsylvania’s gubernatorial election this November after both candidates secured their parties’ nominations Tuesday, setting up a high-profile contest in one of the nation’s premier battleground states.

The Associated Press reported that Shapiro enters the general election as the favorite, having significantly outraised Garrity while positioning himself as a potential Democratic contender for president in 2028. Republicans, meanwhile, hope Garrity can keep the race competitive enough to help GOP candidates further down the ballot.

Democratic Governors Association Chair Andy Beshear praised Shapiro following his nomination victory, calling the Pennsylvania governor a leader who has “spent his first term getting stuff done and delivering for Pennsylvanians.”

“Gov. Shapiro has spent his first term getting stuff done and delivering for Pennsylvanians, creating jobs, making communities safer, and investing in public education,” Beshear said in a statement. “He’s led through some of the toughest times and brought people together to make life better for working families across the Commonwealth.”

The Pennsylvania governor’s race is expected to attract national attention as both parties compete for influence in a key swing state that could play an outsized role in the political landscape leading into the 2028 presidential election.

Find out more about the Pennsylvania gubernatorial race.

Republicans celebrated another high court ruling in their favor after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed Alabama to revisit its congressional map just three years after the bench forced a race-conscious redraw.

After the court ruled Louisiana’s map improperly weighted racial factors, Alabama lawmakers moved quickly to advance a redistricting plan aimed at triggering a fresh legal review. That effort paid off late Monday when the Supreme Court overturned a 2023 order from "Allen v. Milligan" that created a second Black-population-conscious district, which flipped Democratic in 2024, and returned the case to a federal court in Birmingham.

On Monday, Gov. Kay Ivey announced special primary elections for several affected districts, mostly in the central and southern regions of the state.

Ivey's move will provide for an August 11 primary in the 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 7th Districts.

The ruling affects Democratic Reps. Shomari Figures and Terri Sewell, along with Republican Reps. Barry Moore and Gary Palmer. Alabama currently holds a 5-2 Republican advantage in Congress, though Republicans have signaled they may push for a more favorable map.

Alabama currently has a 5-2 Republican majority in Congress, while prior to the Milligan case it long had a 6-1 map with a minority-favored district covering Birmingham and the state’s historic Black Belt.

Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter called the decision a “massive victory” for conservatives, while Attorney General Steve Marshall said the ruling could allow lawmakers to draw a congressional map that favors Republicans 7-0.

This is an excerpt from an article by Charles Creitz and Paul Steinhauser.

Ed Gallrein, a Trump-backed Republican challenger to Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., won a GOP primary on Tuesday night, spelling the end to the Kentucky maverick's time in the U.S. House of Representatives and scoring a massive win for President Donald Trump.

Trump repeatedly unleashed on Massie in unusually personal terms in the final days of the primary contest, while spotlighting his endorsement of Gallrein, who he recruited into the race.

The president called Massie, who has frequently opposed parts of his legislative agenda, the "worst ‘Republican’ congressman in history" on Monday.

Massie has been one of the president’s most vocal critics, blasting the administration’s failure, in his view, to curb government spending, prevent foreign military engagements and follow through on promises of government transparency on issues like the Epstein Files.

Gallrein, a military veteran with close alignment with the administration, echoed the president’s attack in an interview with Fox News Digital on Monday.

"My opponent, he's running against President Trump and the agenda that has been put forward by the Republican Party," Gallrein said.

All eyes are locked on Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District as incumbent Republican Rep. Thomas Massie faces a fierce, heavily funded challenge from former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein.

While the sprawling district spans 21 counties, the overwhelming majority of voters are concentrated in just five — including Boone, Kenton and Campbell in the Cincinnati suburbs, and Oldham and Shelby in the Louisville counterparts.

Trump-endorsed challenger Gallrein lives in the heart of Shelby County, part of the district’s more populous western base, while Massie resides in Lewis County, a sparsely populated pocket on the far eastern edge.

For Massie to withstand a heavily financed effort backed by President Donald Trump, the incumbent must hold his ground in those five vital suburban centers.

This report was contributed by Fox News Digital's Paul Steinhauser.

National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott threw his support behind Republican Rep. Andy Barr following his Kentucky Senate primary victory, praising the congressman as a “proven conservative champion” who would strengthen the GOP majority in Washington.

“Congratulations to Kentucky’s next senator, Andy Barr,” Scott said in a statement. “Andy is a proven conservative champion who puts Kentucky first.”

“He will make a great addition to our Senate Majority as we work to keep taxes low, protect our borders, and ensure America remains the greatest country on God’s green Earth,” he added.

Barr emerged victorious in the Republican primary to replace retiring Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and will now face the Democratic nominee in November as Republicans look to maintain control of the Senate.

Find out more about Barr's primary victory.

Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has taken a critical tone toward maverick Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., urging him to "get back to what he was elected to do" as a Democrat.

Shapiro, another rumored 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, appeared exasperated about Fetterman while speaking on CNN amid reports that he is receiving pressure to jump ship on his party.

"Look, I don’t know what Sen. Fetterman is going to do," he told CNN’s Jake Tapper. "I know that Pennsylvanians voted for a Democrat to represent them in the United States Senate."

"So, I think he needs to honor that and continue with his service to Pennsylvania, and, hopefully, get back to what he was elected to do and reflect the will of the people," he added.

Fetterman and Shapiro’s relationship has taken a turn since Fetterman’s election — turning into an “ugliness” from which “we have never recovered,” he wrote in his book, “Unfettered.”

Fetterman has been controversial within his party as he has often been the lone Democrat voting with Republicans in Congress, for example, when he voted to reopen the government and voted in favor of advancing former Sen. Markwayne Mullin as Trump’s new pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security. He voted with Republicans about 26% of the time in 2025, according to the Congress Vote Tracker.

This has left many in the Democratic Party frustrated, including Shapiro.

In February, Shapiro declined to say whether he would support Fetterman if he seeks reelection in 2028, saying, "I don't know if he's running for reelection. I think he needs to decide if he's running, and then we'll make a decision from there."

This is an excerpt from an article by Peter Pinedo.

There are at least 16 socialist candidates running for office in primaries across just five states on Tuesday, according to the Democratic-Socialists of America (DSA).

Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, Oregon and Kentucky all will hold races with socialist candidates, the DSA's May 19 live blog indicated.

One of the higher-profile races include Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District, where state Rep. Chris Rabb is running. Rabb would become DSA’s second nationally endorsed U.S. representative if he wins.

Another major race includes the election for Louisville mayor, which is featuring a challenge from DSA-endorsed Shameka Parrish-Wright.

Other socialist candidates are running races Tuesday for the state legislature in Georgia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Oregon. The remaining candidates are running in more hyper-local elections.

Rep. Thomas Massie is President Donald Trump’s top target as six states from coast-to-coast hold primaries on Tuesday.

But Massie tells Fox News Digital that if he wins renomination in Kentucky’s primary, he can still work with Trump.

Massie, who for 14 years has represented Kentucky's 4th Congressional District, in the northeastern part of the red-leaning state, has long been one of Trump's most vocal GOP critics in Congress. The libertarian-minded lawmaker has repeatedly taken aim at the president over foreign policy, including the Iran war and unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel. And he's also been a thorn in Trump's side for successfully pushing for the release of government files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump repeatedly targeted Massie in social media posts in the closing days of the primary campaign, claiming that he is “the worst congressman in the history of our country." And the president praised Massie’s GOP challenger, Kentucky farmer and former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, who the Trump is backing, as "a great guy" and "a great patriot.”

But Massie told Fox News Digital on the eve of the primary that “when I talk to the president in private, he calls me a tough cookie because he knows I'm hard to beat, and he knows when I take a position, I don't go against my principles.”

“In 2020 the President said I should be thrown out of the party. In 2022 he endorsed me, and I think you're going to see that again as soon as this race is over, all the nasty lies go away, and then the President will come over and say, you know what, I think we need to work with Massie.”

Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., claimed that a lack of baggage would uniquely enable him to beat Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., in the November midterms.

“We have got to put our best candidate on the field, the one who gives us the best chance of winning. We’ve lost three races in a row,” Carter said in a recent interview, referring to consecutive Senate losses for Republicans in Georgia since 2020.

Carter’s comments come amid a Republican primary on Tuesday to select a challenger to face Ossoff in November.

Ossoff, who was first elected in 2021, narrowly won a Senate bid in a 50.6% to 49.4% victory over Republican incumbent Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga.

Since then, Ossoff has built a national profile as a Democrat who can win over Republican voters. He has been mentioned by some commentators, like Democratic strategist David Axelrod, as a potential contender for president in 2028.

“He’s a great communicator,” Axelrod said of Ossoff on a recent podcast appearance.

In light of the formidable, proven opponent, Carter said he believes the GOP will set itself up for a repeat of past failures by selecting one of his opponents.

“I would submit to you that Derek Dooley — who has voted once in the last 20 years who has not ever voted for President Trump — if he’s our candidate, we’re going to lose,” Carter said.

“Mike Collins, who was under federal investigation for misusing taxpayer funds … if he is our candidate, we lose,” Carter said.

“I don’t have any baggage. I’ll go toe to toe with Jon Ossoff, and I will win,” Carter said.

As former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris urge Democratic voters to get to the polls Tuesday in several key states, former President Joe Biden instead posted a lengthy eulogy for former Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki.

Obama and Harris both publicly endorsed two candidates in a heated Georgia Supreme Court race, tying their bids to Louisiana's Callais decision that all but upended Democrats' efforts to redistrict states in their favor -- as Republicans have instead pursued changes under that ruling.

Obama also met with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico about a week ago, according to the New York Times.

Meanwhile, as polls prepared to close in battleground Kentucky, Biden offered several paragraphs of remembrance for Purzycki, who died this week at age 81 and served two terms as mayor of Delaware's largest city.

“Long before either of us became public figures, I first knew Mike Purzycki as a stand-out football player at the University of Delaware,” said Biden, who himself played scholastic football.

“I admired him for his incredible talents on the field and even then, his work ethic and character were evident. We became friends, and stayed friends, for the next 60 years. Throughout my time in public service, I continued to count on Mike’s loyal friendship and support.”

Biden called Purzycki “whip smart, disciplined, and impressive by any measure,” as the Democrat is credited with revitalizing the Christina River waterfront south of downtown.

“Mike’s talents meant he could have done anything with his life. But starting from his time on New Castle County Council and continuing on through his service as Mayor, Mike gave all that he had to making life better for the people around him,” Biden said.

“Jill and I and the entire Biden family join the people of Wilmington in giving thanks for Mike’s lifetime of friendship and service.”“God Bless Mayor Mike,” Biden said.

Turnout patterns and cross-party voting dynamics are beginning to shift in Georgia, potentially reshaping several closely watched Republican-heavy races.

According to data reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Democrats are showing unexpected strength in Tuesday’s elections, with more than 770,000 ballots cast so far, expanding the party’s roughly 150,000-ballot advantage from the early voting period.

The Democratic turnout surge could carry significant implications for Georgia’s historically nonpartisan Supreme Court races, which have increasingly evolved into high-stakes ideological battlegrounds over issues such as abortion rights, election laws and voting access.

Georgia Democrats have aggressively campaigned to unseat two sitting Supreme Court justices, including Charlie Bethel and Sarah Hawkins Warren.

Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky., won the Republican primary race to succeed outgoing Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., shortly after polls closed on Tuesday evening.

McConnell, 84, is retiring.

Barr, who has represented Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District since 2013, pitched himself as an "America First, pro-Trump Republican member of Congress," candidate with an emphasis on limited government, free enterprise and strong national defense.

President Donald Trump endorsed Barr earlier this year, emphasizing Barr’s alignment with the administration.

“I know Andy well, and he is always a Vote we can count on because he knows what it takes to GET THINGS DONE and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump said in a post to Truth Social earlier this month.

“He is a 100% solid American Patriot! Andy Barr is a Strong Supporter of TERMINATING THE FILIBUSTER.”

Notably, McConnell, who previously led the Senate as majority leader, opposed eliminating the filibuster, a procedural requirement that prevents most legislation from advancing without at least 60 votes — a threshold that almost always requires bipartisan support.Republicans currently hold 53 seats in the chamber.

Having secured the Republican nomination, Barr must now win the general election, set for Nov. 3.

Laura Ingraham on Monday questioned why some Democrats appear to be rooting for Rep. Thomas Massie to win, suggesting their support is driven less by ideological alignment and more by a desire to sabotage the broader Republican legislative agenda from within.

“If Massie is a ‘true conservative,’ then why does everyone on the Left want him to win?” Ingraham said in a post on X Monday.

Massie, a longtime libertarian-leaning Republican, has repeatedly broken with GOP leadership on major spending packages, surveillance measures and foreign policy votes, earning a reputation as one of the most unpredictable and anti-establishment members of the Republican party.

He has also publicly clashed with President Donald Trump on several high-profile issues, at times drawing criticism from Trump allies over his opposition to key Republican-backed legislation.

Rick Jackson, a Republican gubernatorial hopeful in Georgia, is facing heat from critics calling him a "fraud" and claiming he lied during a debate earlier this week, when the candidate struggled to answer whether he has illegal aliens working for him.

"I don't know," Jackson replied when his fellow Republican frontrunner in the race, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, asked him point-blank whether he has any illegal aliens working for him. 

Jackson explained he was not directly involved in the hiring process in question, but he also said on the debate stage that anyone making hires for him "obey[ed] the laws," including verifying employment eligibility using the appropriate federal "verification" measures despite saying the opposite during a sworn deposition.

After his contradictory remarks on the debate stage Monday night, Jackson's critics leaped at the opportunity to call him out, pointing to his sworn remarks from a worker's compensation case, during which Jackson admitted that new hires were not vetted using mandatory federal I-9 forms meant to ensure employees are eligible to work.

"Rick Jackson is lying to someone. Either he lied in his deposition under oath or he lied to Georgians on the debate stage," political strategist Phil Vangelakos said after the debate. "It's pretty clear that he knows he's employed illegal immigrants."

"He campaigns against illegals, yet he hires them," said Georgia Tea Party activist Debbie Dooley.

When asked for a response to the backlash, Jackson’s campaign pushed back on the criticism, accusing rival Burt Jones of using the issue as a political attack, saying the takeaway from the debate "is the universal agreement that Burt Jones has used his office corruptly to enrich himself and attack his political opponents." 

This is an excerpt from an article by Alec Schemmel.

Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback claimed that foreign interests were trying to influence Rep. Thomas Massie's primary race during remarks to a crowd gathered inside what appeared to be an arcade lined with pinball machines.

Fishback claimed money tied to interests in the Middle East was being used to sway the contest away from “average Americans.”

“It's clear that out of state money, and if we're honest, out of country money from the Middle East, from one particular foreign country is trying to steal that election away from average Americans who just want the truth,” Fishback said. “So hopefully tonight, hopefully at this event, we find out that Thomas Massie is going back to Congress.”

A billionaire Georgia gubernatorial candidate who has said there is “no bigger supporter of Trump right now than I am” is facing questions after a healthcare company within his business empire criticized President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).

Rick Jackson has campaigned as a staunch Trump ally and pledged to be Trump’s “favorite governor,” despite Trump endorsing Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. But Jackson Physician Search, a subsidiary of Jackson Healthcare, warned the OBBBA could cause millions to lose health coverage and create “fear and uncertainty” across healthcare organizations.

The company also argued Medicaid and Medicare cuts could financially strain hospitals, worsen physician shortages and force some rural facilities to close. Other materials criticized immigration and student loan provisions in the law.

Jackson’s campaign defended his support for the bill, saying he backs work requirements and opposes Obamacare. “Rick supports the Big Beautiful Bill. Period,” campaign spokesman Mike Schrimpf said.

This is an excerpt from an article by Alec Schemmel.

Former Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino blasted Rep. Thomas Massie during a recent broadcast, calling the Kentucky Republican “an absolute fraud” and accusing him of refusing opportunities to receive FBI briefings while publicly criticizing investigations tied to President Donald Trump.

“I have never been as disappointed in a human being in politics as I am in Tom Massie,” Bongino said. “When I got up there in that position, I could not believe what a fraud this guy was. I supported him. He is an absolute fraud.”

Bongino said he previously backed Massie but changed his opinion after serving in FBI leadership, where he claimed the congressman repeatedly declined invitations to discuss cases he was publicly commenting on through social media.

“I tried multiple times to get this guy to come over to give him a briefing on a case he kept bloviating about on Twitter,” Bongino said, adding that despite multiple offers, Massie never once came in to discuss the cases.

The former FBI official accused Massie of intentionally avoiding information so he could continue attacking Trump and others online.

“He did not want to know,” Bongino said. “He preferred to be dumb, so he could plead ignorance on X and attack President Trump.”

Bongino also dismissed anticipated criticism from Massie and his supporters, saying “anyone telling you otherwise, including him, is lying,” while arguing the congressman chose public commentary over briefings that “could have cleared it up for him right away.”

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., expressed support for Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., ahead of the polls closing in their state on Tuesday.

Paul expressed his support for Massie on X after President Donald Trump has put the Kentucky House member in his crosshairs following public disagreements between the pair over foreign policy issues, the Epstein files and more. Paul, himself, has also found himself at odds with the president amid his second term.

"If you live in KY-04 and haven't voted yet, get out and vote for @MassieforKY," Paul posted on X Tuesday evening. "Thomas is one of the few members of Congress who actually means what he says."

Paul also included a link to a polling location finder in his post.

Trump targeted Massie in social media posts ahead of Tuesday's primary, and praised Kentucky farmer and former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, who the president is backing and has described as "a great guy" and "a great patriot."

Trump's pressure recently resulted in incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., losing his seat to Trump-backed candidate Rep. Julia Letlow, R-La. Meanwhile, five state senators in Indiana who had opposed Trump's push for congressional redistricting also faced defeat earlier this month.

Rick Jackson, a Republican billionaire running for Georgia governor on a pledge to ban diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies in state government and education, founded a nonprofit that promoted a 2021 workplace initiative urging CEOs to invest in DEI, examine racial pay gaps and use race-conscious hiring practices.

Jackson, founder of Jackson Healthcare and goBeyondProfit, has campaigned as a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, vowing to “ban DEI insanity” and “criminalize reverse discrimination.” 

But goBeyondProfit launched a “Leading a Thriving Workplace with Race in Mind” initiative in 2021 featuring videos encouraging executives to implement DEI programs and “anti-racist” policies. One video promoted Ibram X. Kendi’s “How To Be An Anti-Racist.”

The series also highlighted Jackson Healthcare’s use of a “Rooney Rule” hiring policy, which a company executive said increased hiring of “people of color” from 9% to 25% within a year.

Jackson’s campaign defended his record, saying he hires “only the best players” and would prohibit reverse discrimination as governor.

This is an excerpt from an article by Alec Schemmel.

President Donald Trump's deputy chief of staff accused Rep. Thomas Massie's campaign of "scumbag behavior" after a Washington Examiner reporter tweeted the text of an apparent message sent to voters in Kentucky's 4th congressional district suggesting the president endorsed Massie.

"Massie’s entire existence is built on lying to people. This is just more evidence," James Blair said on X.

He was backed up by Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., who tweeted "Amen, James. Thomas Massie has got to go."

The Examiner's Salena Zito reported that Massie's campaign had sent voters a 2022 endorsement from Trump meant to appear as present-day.

"Thomas Massie is a Conservative Warrior for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District!

An MIT graduate and a first-rate Defender of the Constitution, Thomas fights hard to Protect your Liberties, especially the First and Second Amendments, which are under siege by the Radical Left. Strong on the Border and our Military and Vets, Thomas Massie has my Complete and Total Endorsement!" Trump's then-message read.

A federal indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center is reverberating in Georgia’s 2026 Senate race, with Republicans targeting Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., about past ties to the organization.

The Department of Justice charged the Southern Poverty Law Center in April with allegedly defrauding donors by secretly transferring money to extremist groups to infiltrate and monitor them. Ossoff, viewed as the most vulnerable Senate Democrat up for reelection in 2026, is endorsed by the law center’s 501(c)(4) arm, which contributed more than $700,000 to his 2020 campaign, according to FEC filings.

Federal prosecutors allege the Southern Poverty Law Center paid more than $3 million between 2014 and 2023 to informants tied to the KKK, Aryan Nations and other neo-Nazi groups, concealing the payments through fictitious bank accounts. 

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the group was “manufacturing the extremism it purports to oppose.”

The Republican National Committee blasted Ossoff over his ties to the organization.

SPLC interim CEO Bryan Fair slammed the charges as politically motivated and has argued the since-defunct program "saved lives."

Ossoff has not commented on the grand jury indictment. His campaign did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

This is an excerpt from an article by Adam Pack.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., defiantly reposted a 2022 endorsement from President Donald Trump even as the president thundered for it be taken down.

“Is this the one?” Massie posted to X, on Tuesday, responding to Trump’s demands. 

The image, a screenshot from a “SAVE AMERICA” email, contained a description of Massie where Trump described the Kentucky maverick as someone who “fights hard to protect your liberties, especially the first and second amendments, which are under siege by the radical left.” 

“Thomas Massie has my complete and total endorsement!” the screenshot read.

The post is just the most recent tension between Massie and Trump as the two Republicans struggle to see who has the upper hand in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional district – a primary race in which Trump has opposed Massie.

Massie has bashed the second Trump administration for what he sees as a failure to curb government spending, a reversal of promises to engage in foreign military entanglements and reluctance to deliver on promises of government transparency on issues like the Epstein files.

In return, Trump has endorsed Massie’s Republican challenger, Ed Gallrein, a veteran closely aligned with the administration's views.

“I endorsed Ed Gallrein, a true American patriot which Massie knows full well, so the statement that he put out is fraudulent just like HE is fraudulent. WITHDRAW YOUR FAKE STATEMENT MASSIE RIGHT NOW!” Trump wrote in a post to X on Tuesday.

Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., asked attendees to present a government-issued photo ID at a campaign event Saturday, even while opposing similar standards for voters in federal elections.

Email confirmation information for an Ossoff rally in Atlanta detailed that "a matching government-issued ID will be verified against the RSVP list by name to enter."

Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., who is running against Ossoff for a Senate seat in 2026, blasted what he called a double standard.

"Typical Jon Ossoff to say one thing and do another,” Collins said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “It’s ridiculous that Jon Ossoff would require a government ID to listen to him speak about why you shouldn’t need a government ID to vote.” 

The criticism comes after Republicans across Congress have worked to pass the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act — which would tighten voter registration and U.S. citizenship standards — which is currently stalled in the Senate.

Democrats like Ossoff have blasted the legislation, arguing it would only make it harder for people with limited access to photo ID to participate in elections.

Ossoff’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

This is an excerpt from an article by Leo Briceno.

President Donald Trump blasted Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., a longtime ally of the president, Saturday, threatening to back a primary challenger after she campaigned for one of his top Republican rivals. 

Trump lashed out on Truth Social against Boebert, whom he previously endorsed for reelection, just hours after she campaigned with Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., one of Trump’s most vocal GOP critics in Congress.

"Is anyone interested in running against Weak Minded Lauren Boebert in Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District?" Trump wrote.

Boebert initially declined to comment directly on Trump’s post when questioned by Fox News, saying she did not want to "elevate" it. She later defended her support for Massie in a post on X.

"Yes, I saw the President’s post. No, I’m not mad or offended," she wrote. "I knew the risks when I agreed to stand by my friend Thomas Massie. I was, and will be, America First, America Always, and MAGA."

When asked about Trump’s post following a campaign rally Saturday in Kentucky, Massie told Fox News it was too late to challenge Boebert because the filing deadline had already passed.

"I think he should be mending fences with these folks, not trying to burn bridges," Massie said.

This is an excerpt from an article by Michael Sinkewicz.

Fresh off helping oust Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., from Louisiana’s GOP Senate primary, President  Donald Trump turned his attention to Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., urging Republicans to vote him out Tuesday and warning other GOP critics to fall in line.

Trump blasted Massie on Truth Social as “the worst and most unreliable Republican Congressman,” tying him to Cassidy, who failed to advance Saturday after Trump repeatedly attacked him over his impeachment vote.

Massie faces Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein in Kentucky’s 4th District Republican primary, now one of the cycle’s highest-profile House races. Trump praised Gallrein as a “Kentucky farmer” and “Military Hero,” while calling Massie a “grand-stander” and “negative force.”

The feud intensified after Massie opposed Trump-backed legislation and criticized his actions on Iran and the Epstein files. Trump also targeted Rep. Lauren Boebert and Sen. Rand Paul for campaigning with Massie, warning Boebert he could reconsider his endorsement.

This is an excerpt from an article by Eric Mack.