Key races to watch in 2026 Kentucky primary election

Added: 2026-05-26

[00:00:00]And we're keeping track of the US House [music] race that's become one of the most watched and the most expensive House race in the country. Thomas Massie of Northern Kentucky, of course, is trying to keep his seat against challenger and former Navy SEAL Ed Gallion. While Massie has a reputation for being a maverick, President Trump has publicly endorsed Gallion criticizing Massie on social media over the weekend. Over $32 million is reportedly been poured into that race and recent polling suggests the two men are deadlocked among Republicans in Northern Kentucky. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was [music] in Hebron yesterday supporting Gallion as Massie was out in his district in Mason County for last minute campaigning after watching Trump's influence on incumbents in both Indiana and Louisiana races. This Kentucky race is one that the whole nation, of course, is watching. One political science professor WHAS 11 talked to noted the difference in the race comes down to the kind of voter casting their ballot.

[00:00:59]The funny dynamic is that while Gallion is appealing to the older voters who tend to be more reliable voters, uh Massie's appealing to some of those more conservative activists, some of those small government activists, and activists tend to be very high propensity voters.

[00:01:19]Well, Massie's campaign has been ramping up door knocking efforts in recent weeks in Northern Kentucky ahead of today, and we're excited to bring you election coverage. You can count on us. Stick with us throughout the newscast. Our team coverage will take you live to two Republican campaigns vying for a hotly contested Senate seat, long-time Senator Mitch McConnell, of course. You'll hear from our Isaiah Kim Martinez and Connie DeLuche coming up at 5:00. On the Democratic side, our Ian Hardwood is among our reporters. He's at Charles Booker's campaign awaiting results.

[00:01:49]We'll make sure to keep you updated on these four candidates you see here or you will see also hoping for a shot for McConnell's seat. Later tonight, once the polls close, join WHAS 11 Plus at 6:30 with our Doug Proffitt and the biggest and best political team in Kentucky. As election results roll in, we are streaming live from 6:30 to 8:00 tonight on WHAS 11 Plus.