Rep. Thomas Massie said he does not expect Elon Musk to help him in his May 19 Republican primary in Kentucky against Navy SEAL veteran Ed Gallrein, whom former President Donald Trump recruited to challenge the congressman. [1]
Massie said Musk has poured large sums into pro-GOP super PACs and candidates in the 2026 cycle but has not stepped into his race. He said donors in business often find it hard to engage in politics unless they are fully aligned with Trump, which he suggested may explain Musk's reluctance. Massie added, "I think [Musk] found out it's easier to land rockets backwards and to get cars to drive themselves than it is to fix this place." [1]
Musk has still been active in Republican politics elsewhere. He gave $10 million to pro-Trump outsider Nate Morris's Senate campaign aimed at replacing Sen. Mitch McConnell. Massie said of Musk, "I have no animosity or hard feelings towards him." [1]
An early April Quantus Insights poll found Massie ahead with 46.8% support, Gallrein at 37.7% and 14% undecided. The numbers showed a competitive race with less than 3 weeks left before the primary. [1]
Axios reported on April 27 that Massie had stopped expecting Musk's help as the May 19 primary approached. The next major test comes on May 19, when Kentucky Republicans choose their nominee. [1]