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

When asked about his potential gubernatorial run should he lose the upcoming election, Massie said that a loss would mean returning to his farm but noted he might pursue a bid for governor over the Senate or presidency if he secures victory in the primary. “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 event, emphasizing his opposition to a bill aimed at terminating the Department of Education. He stressed that he does not want to reduce public education funding, having attended K-12 in public schools himself. Instead, he stated he would prefer keeping such funds within the state for officials to decide their allocation.

University of Louisville College Republicans president Dyllan Tipton reported that the forum drew 125 attendees, including students and faculty, Kentucky Senator Lindsey Tichenor, and former Congressman John Yarmuth. Tipton highlighted the cross-ideological turnout, stating: “We need more events that bring Democrats, Republicans, and everyone else together for healthy dialogue and debate.” He praised Massie for fostering such collaboration despite his party affiliations.

A recent poll conducted by Quantus Insights revealed Rep. Thomas Massie leading Ed Gallrein, the candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump, in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District primary with a double-digit margin. The survey of more than 400 likely Republican voters conducted April 6-7 found that 47.4% would vote for Massie today compared to 36.8% for Gallrein.