Massie loses to Trump-backed challenger in Kentucky primary
The Kentucky race has been viewed as a key test of President Trump's grip on the Republican Party.
www.bbc.comThomas Massie defeated the state Republican primary to Ed Gallrein, a Trump-endorsed challenger. he conceded once results came in. Kentucky contest was seen as one of the costliest in House history, and a test of Trump's influence within the party. Trump backed Gallrein publicly while Massie attacked Trump on specific votes. Gallrein moves forward to the general election matchup in a strongly Republican district, facing Democrat Melissa Strange. Massie was first elected in 2012 and came under Trump's pressure in part by urging the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files and denouncing the war in Iran.