Thomas Massie

Topline

Some right-wing figures are floating the idea that Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who lost his May primary to a Trump-backed challenger, could replace Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., if he resigns from office early.

Key Facts

Tangent

Massie lost his primary race to retired Navy SEAL captain Ed Gallrein by 10 points after Trump and pro-Israel groups backed Gallrein. Massie was among Trump’s top Republican targets in this year’s midterms as the Republican senator has repeatedly bucked his party and voted against Trump’s legislative priorities. Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky., and former Rep. Charles Booker, D-Ky., are competing in the November general election to replace McConnell. Barr is likely to win as the seat is considered solidly Republican.

What To Watch For

The state parties would likely nominate Barr and Booker to run in a special election to fill the remainder of McConnell’s term, if one is held, but Massie could run as an independent. He would hav

Surprising Fact

Kentucky is one of five states that requires a special election to choose a temporary replacement versus appointment by the state’s governor.

Key Background

McConnell has been hospitalized since June 14, when he was found unconscious and transported to a local Kentucky hospital via an Advanced Life Support ambulance, Punchbowl News and the New York Post reported. His office has not disclosed details on the reason for his admission, but told Louisville’s Spectrum News channel on Tuesday, McConnell “continues to improve, and is working closely with his staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while the Senate is out of session,” repeating a statement it gave multiple outlets last week. Longtime Kentucky commentator Scott Jennings said he spoke with his “old friend” McConnell Tuesday morning for nearly 20 minutes about a number of issues, including Iran, Ukraine, the Maine Senate election, Jennings’ visit to a presidential library and “even a little bit of Senate history.” A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., also told NOTUS Thune spoke with McConnell on Monday and Tuesday and “had a lengthy and substantive conversation that covered a variety of topics, including national security.” Thune and Jennings issued the statements after right-wing activist Laura Loomer and independent journalist Desirée Townsend claimed unnamed sources said McConnell was braindead and on life support.

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