Ed Gallrein has ousted Republican Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District primary, with former President Donald Trump backing Gallrein's challenge. ABC News projected the win Tuesday evening.

Massie, a conservative libertarian known for his opposition to Trump's policies, including tax legislation and the Iran war, and for his calls to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, had become a target of the former president.

The race was notably the most expensive U.S. House primary in history, with $32.6 million spent on advertising and ad reservations, according to AdImpact. Trump publicly stated his desire to see Massie lose, telling reporters, "He was a bad guy. He deserves to lose." Massie, addressing supporters, framed the contest not as a battle against Gallrein or Trump, but as a fight for his principles.

Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL and farmer, credited Trump's endorsement and counsel for his victory. "I want to thank President Trump for his support, his endorsement, and his counsel as I navigated this campaign," Gallrein stated. Trump had expressed a strong desire to defeat Massie, even admitting he would have supported "just about anyone" to achieve that goal.

In another key Kentucky primary, ABC News projected that Rep. Andy Barr, also endorsed by Trump, won the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell. Barr defeated former Attorney General Daniel Cameron. Both Barr and Cameron had attempted to distance themselves from the long-serving senator, who has been associated with establishment Republicanism.

Trump's intervention in the primary extended to the Senate race, where he had also encouraged businessman Nate Morris to withdraw in favor of Barr. Morris's name remained on the ballot, but his votes will not be counted, according to the Kentucky Secretary of State.

The results in Kentucky reflect a broader trend of Trump's influence in Republican primaries, where his endorsements often play a significant role in determining outcomes. Massie's defeat, in particular, highlights the challenge faced by incumbents who diverge from the former president's political agenda.

As the general election approaches, Gallrein will face the Democratic nominee in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District. The outcome of this race, and others where Trump has backed candidates, will be closely watched for their implications on the future direction of the Republican party.