Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) conceded in the GOP primary for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District to Trump-endorsed former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein on Tuesday, marking one of the most expensive races in American history.

In his concession speech, Massie stated, “I would have come out sooner but I had to call my opponent and concede.” He added, “It took a while to find Ed Gallrein in Tel Aviv.”

Massie also hinted at a potential 2028 presidential run, quipping to supporters: “What happens in 2028? You want me to run for Congress again?”

The primary, which cost an estimated $35 million according to Federal Election Commission data, saw Massie’s campaign outspend Gallrein’s by $5.8 million to $2.6 million. However, super PACs heavily favored the GOP challenger, spending over $16.4 million to boost Gallrein compared to approximately $10.1 million supporting Massie.

The race featured contentious television ads, including AI-generated “deepfakes” that falsely accused Massie of being in a throuple with Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), while a pro-Massie group aired an ad depicting Gallrein abandoning Trump on a battlefield.

Massie, who has long been a libertarian Republican with an independent streak, has been at odds with President Trump over issues including his push for the release of Jeffrey Epstein’s files and votes against the administration’s tax and spending legislation. He described the high cost of the race: “For 14 years those SOB’s in Washington tried to buy my vote. They couldn’t buy it. Why did the race get so expensive? Because they decided to buy deceit.”

President Trump called Massie “a bad guy” after the loss, stating he “deserves to lose.”

Massie’s congressional term ends in January 2027, and his future political ambitions remain unclear.