On May 19, Kentucky voters head to the polls for a primary election focused on two nationally watched Republican races. The U.S. Senate contest and the battle in the 4th Congressional District highlight major fractures within the GOP, particularly the influence of former President Donald Trump.
Race in the 4th Congressional District
This is the most closely watched contest, as Donald Trump seeks to oust incumbent Representative Thomas Massie. Massie, a conservative, has repeatedly broken party discipline, angering Trump by opposing U.S. strikes on Iran and supporting efforts to release records related to Jeffrey Epstein. His opponent is Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL backed by Trump. With over $20 million spent on this race, it is seen as a major test of Trump's control over the GOP and whether voters will back the former president or a lawmaker who defied party leadership.
U.S. Senate Race
Kentucky also holds a primary for the Senate seat left vacant by retiring seven-term Senator Mitch McConnell. On the Republican side, Representative Andy Barr, endorsed by Trump, faces former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron. Both were once close McConnell allies but are now distancing themselves from the veteran senator as Trump's influence over Republican voters grows. Democrats are also contesting the Senate seat, though they are considered weak in a state that has not elected a Democratic senator in decades.
Polling Hours
Polls open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time. Most of Kentucky is in the Eastern time zone, so polls close at 6 p.m. ET (22:00 GMT). The western part of the state is in the Central time zone, closing at 6 p.m. local time, or 7 p.m. ET (23:00 GMT).
Other Races
In addition to federal races, voters cast ballots for local positions in Louisville, including mayor, clerk, sheriff, and numerous city council seats. All 100 seats in the Kentucky House of Representatives are also on the ballot.
Results and Vote Counting
Results are expected to begin coming in shortly after polls close. Kentucky mandates automatic recounts for Senate, House, and statewide races if the margin is 0.5% or less of total votes.
Polling
Recent surveys show the 4th Congressional District race is very close, with both Massie and Gallrein nearly tied. However, limited polling and the unpredictability of primary turnout make the outcome difficult to forecast.
