An Unprecedented House Race Tests Trump's Clout

Six states have primaries on Tuesday, but the big race is in Kentucky, where Rep. Thomas Massie is testing just how far a Republican can buck President Trump and keep his job. On Tuesday, GOP voters in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District decide whether to stick with the eight-term libertarian-leaning congressman or side with Trump's handpicked challenger, former Navy SEAL and farmer Ed Gallrein, reports NBC News.

• Trump friction: The Washington Post notes that "few Republicans in Congress have clashed more bitterly with Trump over the past year." Massie broke with the president over his tax package, the Iran war, and the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Trump has labeled him a "pathetic LOSER" and a "disaster for our party," and at a March rally in Massie's district, urged supporters to "get rid of this loser." As recently as Monday, he called Massie an "obstructionist and a fool."
• 3 for 3? Politico's Playbook notes that Trump is attempting to go "three for three" in retribution contests, after helping oust Sen. Bill Cassidy in Louisiana and state senators in Indiana who opposed him on redistricting. Polls show a tight race, suggesting a key test of Trump's clout.
• Unprecedented: The Kentucky contest has become the priciest House primary ever in ad spending, topping $32 million, with most of the cash coming from Trump-aligned and pro-Israel groups funding attacks on Massie. "Here's the thing, I've got nothing against Israel," says Massie, per Fox News. "I just have never voted for foreign aid."
• Another rarity: In a highly unusual move, defense chief Pete Hegseth campaigned for Gallrein on Monday. The Pentagon typically stays out of political races.
• Elsewhere: Other big races Tuesday include primaries for governor and Senate in Georgia, House primaries in Pennsylvania in swing districts, and open races for governor and Senate in Alabama. Idaho and Oregon also vote, and the New York Times has a "what to watch" guide on all.