Pro-Israel groups target Trump critic in Massie Senate race

US Congressman Thomas Massie Faces Intense Primary Challenge in Kentucky

A contentious Republican primary contest is underway in Kentucky’s Fourth Congressional District, with pro-Israel groups and donors spending heavily to defeat US Congressman Thomas Massie. According to official records, the total expenditure exceeds $34 million by Monday, setting a new record for the most expensive House of Representatives primary contest in U.S. history.

The campaign features a candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump, who has been actively campaigning against Massie on social media and has sent Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to Kentucky to support challenger Ed Gallrein, a Navy SEAL veteran. Massie, known for his critical views on Israel’s unconditional military aid and human rights abuses in Gaza and Lebanon, has received significant funding from pro-Israel groups.

According to Federal Election Commission data, three groups linked to pro-Israel donors have spent over $15.5 million in the race, with United Democracy Project (UDP), AIPAC’s election arm, spending more than $4.1 million. The RJC Victory Fund, affiliated with the Republican Jewish Coalition, has contributed around $3.9 million. MAGA KY, a super PAC, has spent over $7.5 million.

Paul Singer, a pro-Israel billionaire investor, is one of the top funders of MAGA KY and has made significant donations to UDP in recent years. The financial records of Preserve America PAC, which received funding from Miriam Adelson, an Israeli-American megadonor, remain unclear for this election cycle.

Massie’s campaign has highlighted the role of pro-Israel groups in the primary contest, stating that the election will be a “referendum on foreign policy.” The candidates have not raised record amounts of money themselves, with most of the spending coming from outside groups.

Source: Al Jazeera