Kentucky congressman expects no voter fallout for his role in attempt to oust House speaker

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Fresh off his role in a failed attempt to topple the House speaker, Republican Rep. Thomas Massie downplayed any political fallout back home in Kentucky as he looked to maintain his dominance in his solidly conservative district as Bluegrass State voters headed to the polls Tuesday.

The primary election lacks any marquee contest for statewide office, and the state’s top elections officer has predicted a light turnout.

The libertarian-minded Massie, known as an avid deficit hawk and gun-rights supporter, is being challenged by Eric Deters and Michael McGinnis in the 4th District’s GOP primary. The district stretches across northern Kentucky and encompasses a mix of rural and suburban voters.

Massie’s greatest notoriety has come from the times he defied his party’s leaders — from Donald Trump to House Speaker Mike Johnson — without so far being punished by his constituents.

Massie sounded unconcerned about any blowback from voters for joining the recent effort to oust the Republican House speaker — nicknamed “MAGA Mike Johnson” by Trump. The former president remains enormously popular in the district. The effort to oust Johnson was overwhelmingly rejected by the House.

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