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Republican lawmakers brushed aside concerns that President Donald Trump would target GOP incumbents after the defeat of Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., as several Republicans emphasized the need for unity to advance the Republican agenda.
Massie lost to congressional candidate Ed Gallrein in the Kentucky Republican primary last week after months of escalating attacks from Trump, who publicly criticized the Kentucky Republican for his repeated breakups with the president and his opposition to parts of the Republican agenda.
“Primaries happen,” Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., told Fox News Digital. “We got through that, but it’s back to the American people, so my hope is that everyone focuses on that.”
MTG SAYS GOP’S FUTURE ‘DESTROYED’ AFTER TRUMP-BACKED PRIMARY CHALLENGE DEFEATS THOMAS MASSIE IN PRIMARY
Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., speaks in Hollywood, Fla., while campaigning for Florida governor with the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. (Al Díaz/Getty Images)
Massie had long been one of the most outspoken Republican critics of parts of Trump’s agenda in Congress, drawing repeated attacks from the president over spending fights and other legislative disputes. Trump stepped up his criticism of Massie in the months leading up to the primary, backing efforts to oust him from Congress.
The stakes are high for Republicans as the party works to maintain its slim House majority over Democrats while navigating internal divisions over Trump’s agenda and political influence.
Despite speculation that Trump’s strategy of attacking Republican incumbents could be damaging to the party, many lawmakers stood by Trump’s decision to make his personal endorsements as he sees fit.
“I think Trump will be Trump and not everyone will agree with what he does,” said Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas. “The fact is, it’s been incredibly effective.”
“He can back up who he is wants to support,” said Sen. John Hoeven, R.N.D.
Snubbed by Trump, Republican candidates fighting for re-election act as if they have his backing anyway
President Donald Trump arrives at the graduation ceremony at Cadet Memorial Field at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, May 20, 2026. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Still, some Republicans acknowledged that Trump’s aggressive involvement in the primary could create complications within the conference, particularly for members no longer concerned about re-election.
“I think it’s not lost on a lot of people that the reason the president doesn’t like those members could be… they can have the last laugh if they want, since they’re not tied to re-election now.“.
Others emphasized that with Republicans operating on narrow margins in the House, lawmakers have little room for protracted battles within the party as leadership works to push Trump-backed legislation through Congress.
“We have a small group that we have to meet every week,” said Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas. “And as we move through the primaries, as we move toward the election, we need the team. We need members to come forward“.
FEARS OF DEMOCRATIC TAKEOVER GROW AS GOP HOLDS ON TO THIN HOUSE MAJORITY
Representative Pete Sessions, co-chair of the Congressional DOGE Caucus, speaks during a session. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc)
Republicans also stressed the importance of preparing both voters and members of Congress to be aligned ahead of the midterm elections as the party works to defend its narrow House majority in November.
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“Ultimately, it’s up to the voters in those states and districts who wins these primaries and it’s up to each member to make sure they win,” said Rep. Mike Lawler, RN.Y.
“As for the rest of Congress, look, we have a lot of work to do on behalf of the American people. And unless you suddenly change your mind on these issues, you would think you would still represent your district and state appropriately.”