Rep. Thomas Massie (R‑KY) has not exactly endeared himself to House colleagues since his arrival in Washington.
During the height of the pandemic, he famously forced lawmakers to fly to Washington to keep him from derailing a $2 trillion COVID-19 relief bill. Earlier this month, Republicans fumed as he joined a failed attempt to oust Speaker Mike Johnson (R‑LA).
However, Republican voters in Kentucky’s 4th District made clear on Tuesday night they do not share the same contempt for Massie. Seventy-six percent opted to give him what will be his seventh full term. He does not face a Democratic challenger in the fall.
His victory illustrates a common theme in GOP politics. Opposing leadership may cause drama and even gridlock in Washington, but it pays dividends back home.
Massie joins Republicans, particularly from the House Freedom Caucus, who have built anti-establishment reputations by railing against what they see as capitulation …