Rebel Republican hints at comeback in 2028 after primary defeat

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) signaled he could be considering a political comeback just days after losing his primary election to a President Donald Trump-backed challenger, according to reports on Monday.

Massie has been an outspoken critic of Trump and announced in a post on X that he filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) for the 2028 election, The Hill reported.

"I filed with FEC for the 2028 House race. This allows me to raise funds to continue my political operations supporting my position as a current office holder and as a potential candidate for federal office. I haven’t made a final decision about which office to seek, if I run," Massie wrote.

The filing revealed that Massie has selected his Kentucky-based campaign committee as his main committee for 2028, according to The Hill.

"He also authorized the Transportation Trust Fund to 'receive and expend' funds on his behalf. The Wisconsin-based joint fundraising committee raises money on behalf of the campaign committees of more than 30 House Republicans," The Hill reported.

Ed Gallrein won the GOP primary last Tuesday in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District. Trump endorsed Gallrein in the fallout over Massie's push to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, his opposition to the Iran war and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, among other political differences.

Massie supporters started chanting "2028" during his concession speech.

"When Massie replied that the crowd wanted him to run for Congress again, his supporters yelled, 'No,' and repeatedly chanted, 'President,' The Hill reported.

Massie responded to the chanting, saying "Alright, well you’ve made a compelling argument, you spoke your peace, but I need a medical margarita right now and we’ll talk about it later."