Kentucky 4th District
Thomas Massie (R) lost the primary. 3 candidates were on the ballot on November 3, 2026.
Who should win this race, and why?Say what you think. Other readers can answer you.Discuss
Ed Gallrein
Republican · retired Navy SEAL captain and farmer
ALiberty Score A100 out of 100 across 5 principles. Graded on what Gallrein has said and done, because I have no votes in Congress to count for Gallrein.
Raised $4,095,784 since January 2025: 95% from people, 5% from PACs and other committees, 1% transfers and other income. The filing at FEC.gov
Melissa Strange
Democrat · supply chain director at a food company
No gradeNo grade yetI have no votes in Congress to count for Strange, and what Strange has said and done settles only 2 of my principles. I went through it on October 30. A grade needs 4.
Raised $157,330 since January 2025: 86% from people, 13% the candidate’s own money, 1% from PACs and other committees. The filing at FEC.gov
Voting in Kentucky: how to register, vote early or vote by mail. Election Day was November 3.
Side by side
A solid letter is a grade from recorded votes on that principle. An outlined letter is on the same scale, for a candidate with no votes: it comes from what that candidate has said and done, and every source is listed below.
Ed Gallrein, on the record
I have no votes in Congress to count for Gallrein, so the grade above comes from this list: what Gallrein has said and done on my principles. Each line has its source, and each is marked with the same test I use for votes.
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In a WVXU survey he said the objectives on Iran should be preventing a nuclear-armed Iran and ending its support for terrorism, using American military strength.
“I support using American economic, diplomatic and military strength to protect our national security. Our objectives should be clear: prevent a nuclear-armed Iran, protect American personnel and our allies, and eliminate Iran's ability to support global terrorism.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Backing American military strength to stop the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme is the with side of this measure.
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His campaign site says he will cut taxes and reduce regulations.
“cut taxes, reduce regulations, stop the reckless spending that has driven up inflation”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Cutting taxes and regulation is the with side of this measure.
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His campaign site says he will join the President to eliminate DEI programmes and restore merit.
“eliminate DEI schemes, restore merit”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Ending DEI mandates in schools, the military and government is the with side of this measure.
-
His campaign site says he will rebuild the military.
“rebuild our military to support our national security”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Rebuilding the armed forces is the with side of this measure.
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His campaign site promises to finish the wall, fully fund Border Patrol and ICE and secure the border.
“finish the wall, fully fund Border Patrol & ICE, secure the border once and for all”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
A wall and full funding for ICE and the border patrol are the with side of this measure.
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In a WVXU survey he said he supports enforcing immigration laws and that illegal entry cannot be ignored.
“I support enforcing our immigration laws. Violent criminals and national security threats should be the highest priority, but entering or remaining in the country illegally cannot simply be ignored.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Enforcing the law against illegal presence is the with side of this measure.
Melissa Strange, on the record
I have no votes in Congress to count for Strange, so the grade above comes from this list: what Strange has said and done on my principles. Each line has its source, and each is marked with the same test I use for votes.
-
In a WVXU survey she said the conflict in Iran was launched without congressional authorization and that the country does not want another forever war.
“The conflict in Iran was launched without congressional authorization, and another forever war in the middle east is not what the American people want.”
- By the test I use for votes
- Not clear either way
She names no war powers limit or lifting of sanctions, and she also says to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran, so the words do not settle a side.
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In a WVXU survey she said ending tariffs that raise costs is the start of tackling inflation.
“That starts with ending tariffs that raise costs on American consumers and businesses.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Opposing broad tariffs is the with side of this measure.
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In a WVXU survey she said she would support a phased move toward a universal health care system.
“I would support a measured approach over time that phases towards an overall universal healthcare system.”
- By the test I use for votes
- Against liberty
Government-run health care for all is the against side of this measure.
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In a WVXU survey she said she believes in securing the border and enforcing immigration laws.
“I believe in securing our border and enforcing our immigration laws, particularly when it comes to stopping the flow of illegal drugs and human trafficking.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Securing the border and enforcing the law is the with side of this measure.
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In the same survey she called for a pathway to citizenship for people who have built lives in the United States.
“make the legal immigration process more efficient and create a fair, attainable pathway to citizenship for people who have built lives, families, and communities here.”
- By the test I use for votes
- Against liberty
A path to citizenship for people here illegally is the against side of this measure.
Also on the ballot
Jeremy Todd (Libertarian).
Who is on the ballot: the state election offices, as listed on Wikipedia on November 3, 2026, checked against the candidate file of the Federal Election Commission. See a name that is wrong or missing? Say so in the discussion.
Who should win this race, and why?
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Discussion
Kentucky 4th District
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