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Massie race breaks spending record as pro-Israel groups target Trump critic
TL;DR
The primary race involving Congressman Thomas Massie has set a record with over $34 million in spending, making it the most expensive House contest ever. Pro-Israel groups are heavily targeting Massie, a Republican critic of Israel, in this significant election.
Key points
- Massie race is the most expensive House primary in U.S. history
- Total spending exceeds $34 million
- Pro-Israel groups are heavily involved in the race
- Massie is a Republican critic of Israel
- Election seen as a referendum on foreign policy
Mentioned in this story
Thomas MassieAmerican Israel Public Affairs CommitteeDonald Trump
The race pitting a candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump against Congressman Thomas Massie, a rare Republican critic of Israel, has become the most expensive House of Representatives primary contest in the history of the United States.
The avalanche of spending, totalling more than $34m by Monday, according to official records, highlights the significance of the elections that could oust one of the few Republican opponents to the war with Iran.
In the final stretch of the campaign ahead of Tuesday’s vote, Massie has sought to highlight the oversized role of pro-Israel groups – including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) – in the race.
He said the election will be a “referendum on foreign policy” and whether pro-Israel lobby groups will be able to “bully” members of Congress.
“You can tell that I’m ahead in the polls, and they’re desperate,” Massie told ABC News on Sunday.
“That’s why they’re sending the secretary of war to my district tomorrow. That’s why the president’s losing sleep and tweeting about this. That’s why AIPAC has dumped another $3m into my race this weekend.”
Trump has been incessantly bashing Massie on social media, and in an unusual move, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has travelled to Kentucky to campaign for Ed Gallrein, the Navy SEAL veteran challenging the congressman.
Massie has been critical of the unconditional US military aid to Israel and of the country’s abuses in Gaza and Lebanon. He has also helped spearhead the push for the release of government files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The money
Despite the intensity of the race, the candidates have not raised record amounts of money themselves.
The bulk of the spending, more than $25.8m, has come from outside groups, known as super political action committees (super PACs).
Super PACs are usually used by special interest groups to spend heavily to oppose or support a candidate without the constraints of legal limits on direct campaign contributions.
Pro-Israel groups and donors have played a central role in the flood of funds and ads directed against Massie, with three groups linked to them spending more than $15.5m in the race, Federal Election Commission (FEC) data shows.
United Democracy Project (UDP), AIPAC’s election arm, has spent more than $4.1m.
The RJC Victory Fund, which is affiliated with the Republican Jewish Coalition, came in with around $3.9m.
Q&A
How much money has been spent in the Massie primary race?
Over $34 million has been spent in the primary race involving Congressman Thomas Massie.
What makes the Massie race significant in U.S. politics?
The race is significant as it could potentially oust one of the few Republican critics of pro-Israel policies in Congress.
Which groups are targeting Thomas Massie in the primary?
Pro-Israel groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), are targeting Thomas Massie in the primary.
What does Thomas Massie say about the influence of pro-Israel groups?
Thomas Massie claims that the election will be a referendum on foreign policy and whether pro-Israel lobby groups can influence Congress.
