Andy Barr Backs Ed Gallrein in Kentucky House Primary, Increasing Pressure on Rep. Thomas Massie

Overview

• Rep. Andy Barr endorsed Ed Gallrein on Thursday, becoming the first member of Kentucky’s congressional delegation and a U.S. Senate candidate to back the Navy SEAL challenger while touting him as a MAGA-aligned conservative.
• Nate Morris, another leading Republican Senate contender, also endorsed Gallrein, and Massie dismissed the support by saying the endorsements were about their campaigns rather than the House race.
• Trump previously endorsed Gallrein and intensified his criticism of Massie this week, including calling him a “moron” at the National Prayer Breakfast and attacking him on social media.
• Gallrein’s campaign highlights his service as a retired Navy captain and SEAL with deployments from Panama to the Persian Gulf, multiple stints with SEAL Team Six, four Bronze Stars, and two Presidential Unit Citations, as described in Barr’s release.
• The contest has escalated on air and in fundraising, with Massie airing a “Woke Eddie” attack ad and Gallrein running an introductory spot touting Trump’s backing; Gallrein reports $1.2 million raised and $933,000 on hand at 2025’s close, while Massie has $2.2 million cash on hand after a $622,000 fourth quarter.