Thomas Massie

President Trump’s influence and popularity are about to be tested in a series of must-watch Republican primary races.

Tomorrow is Primary Day in Louisiana, where Senator Bill Cassidy, who voted for an impeachment conviction of Trump after the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, will face his party’s voters. Trump is supporting Representative Julia Letlow, one of Cassidy’s opponents.

After that comes Kentucky, home to the most expensive congressional primary on record, as the libertarian-leaning Representative Thomas Massie tries to fight off the Trump-backed Ed Gallrein. That Tuesday race is especially interesting because Massie is a rare Republican critic of Trump — and he has been especially outspoken against Trump’s foreign interventions, particularly the war with Iran.

My colleague Jennifer Medina just got back from Kentucky, where she looked at how the war is shaping this fascinating House race. Tonight, she’s joining us with fresh details from the ground. Our conversation has been edited and condensed.

Jenny, thank you so much for joining. Typically, most Americans don’t vote on foreign policy. How much did the war with Iran — and the related rise in gas prices at home — seem to be motivating the voters you met in Kentucky?

Hi Katie, thanks for having me! You’re right, of course, that foreign policy rarely moves voters.

What’s different here is that Massie has made opposition to foreign aid and intervention one of his central positions. And his opposition to the war has prompted a lot of anger from President Trump. It was fascinating to hear from many Massie supporters who view that as a sign of his strength and integrity.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber? Log in.

Want all of The Times? Subscribe.