The Republican Jewish Coalition issued congratulations Tuesday to Captain Ed Gallrein following his upset win in Kentucky’s 4th congressional district Republican primary, where he toppled incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie in what the organization characterized as a closely monitored contest demonstrating voter support for President Donald Trump’s platform and pro-Israel policies.
RJC CEO Matt Brooks released a statement from Washington, DC on May 19, 2026, characterizing Gallrein’s win as “decisive” and stating that Kentucky’s Republican voters had sent “an unmistakable message.”
“The RJC congratulates Ed Gallrein on his decisive primary victory tonight,” Brooks said. “Kentucky Republicans sent an unmistakable message: there is no place in the Republican Party for those who turn their back on the MAGA agenda.”
Brooks delivered harsh criticism of Massie’s congressional voting record, alleging the incumbent frequently opposed Republican legislative priorities while aligning with progressive Democrats on crucial matters. He pointed to Massie’s votes against Working Families Tax Cuts, border security funding, Holocaust education funding, and assistance to Israel following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attack.
“Massie has been a thorn in the side of President Trump, the Republican Party, and the Jewish community writ large,” Brooks said.
The organization further alleged that Massie engaged in “trafficking in antisemitism and bottom-of-the-barrel nativism at a time when Jew-hatred is on the rise,” describing such behavior as “wildly unacceptable and outrageous from an elected member of Congress.”
Brooks praised Gallrein as “a 5th-generation Kentucky farmer, decorated Navy SEAL, and true MAGA patriot,” stating the candidate “will serve with honor and distinction.”
The Republican Jewish Coalition and the RJC Victory Fund reported investing $5 million in Gallrein’s campaign effort, labeling the race a “record-breaking Congressional primary.”
During the campaign, the group produced three television advertisements supporting Gallrein with the titles “Ed Gallrein: Hero,” “Ed Gallrein: Trump-Endorsed,” and “Gallrein & Trump or Massie who Stands with Iran.”
The Republican Jewish Coalition identifies itself as a nationwide grassroots organization representing tens of thousands of Jewish Republicans throughout the United States.
