During a University of Louisville forum, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) stated he would consider running for Kentucky governor if he wins his GOP congressional primary this year.

When asked whether he would pursue the gubernatorial race following a loss in the election, Massie said returning to farming would be his fallback but he might seek office over the Senate or presidency should he win. “I’ve got to get to May 19 before I speculate about any of that,” he added. “But if I’m looking at jobs and saying which would be the best job to have, probably governor.”

Massie also addressed public education during the forum, noting his bill to terminate the Department of Education. He emphasized he does not want to decrease public education funding, having attended K-12 in public schools. Instead, he stated he would keep such funds within the state for officials to decide where they go.

U of L College Republicans President Dyllan Tipton said the forum attracted 125 attendees, many students. Kentucky Senator Lindsey Tichenor and former Congressman John Yarmuth were present. Tipton noted the event included independents and Democrats, calling the cross-ideological turnout positive. “We need more events that bring Democrats, Republicans, and everyone else together for healthy dialogue and debate,” he said. “Congressman Massie definitely fosters that vision, as he has worked across the aisle on many issues and is willing to stand up for his principles even when they go against his own party.”

A recent poll in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District GOP primary showed Rep. Thomas Massie leading by approximately 10 percentage points.