Massie had touted the fact that, despite Trump's efforts, no one had stepped up to challenge the Fourth District incumbent.
But that changed on Wednesday with Dennis Jackson, a Bronze Star U.S. Army veteran, joining the race.
In a release, Jackson described Massie as a "career politician" who has "wandered off the field." Jackson promised to be a dependable ally for Trump with a record of service to the nation.
Massie has drawn the president's ire by casting no votes on the president's signature tax and spending bill, opposing his strikes on Iran, and leading the charge to get a floor vote on releasing material related to Jeffrey Epstein.
While Massie says he's sticking to his conservative principles and his support remains strong in the district, Jackson is vowing a grassroots campaign to replace a lawmaker he claims has "drifted into Washington theatrics."
Read Jackson's full statement:
Cynthiana, Ky. – Today, Dennis Jackson, a decorated U.S. Army veteran, former federal law enforcement officer, and Harrison County farmer, announced his campaign for Congress in Kentucky’s 4th District. Jackson is challenging career politician Thomas Massie in the Republican primary, vowing to deliver conservative leadership that puts Kentucky families first.
“In uniform, I swore an oath to protect this country. At home I’ve worked in law enforcement, built a life on a 25-acre farm, raised a family, and served my community,” Jackson said. “Thomas Massie has chosen Washington. He’s been more interested in headlines and national theater than fighting for Kentucky families. That’s why I’m running — to bring real conservative leadership back to the 4th District.”
Jackson said his focus in Congress will be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with conservative allies to advance an America First agenda — securing the border, defending the Constitution, and fighting for farmers and working families.
“Massie talks big, but Kentucky deserves results,” Jackson continued. “While families struggle with rising costs, farmers face uncertainty, and commonsense conservatives look for leaders who will actually deliver; Massie has wandered off the field. I’ll be a fighting conservative in Congress; a dependable ally for President Trump who gets things done and never forgets who he represents.”
Jackson’s record of service is long and tested. He served four years in the U.S. Coast Guard, then joined the Army in 2003. During Operation Iraqi Freedom he led more than 275 combat missions as a Personal Security Officer and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He later served with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency overseeing weapons inspections overseas, and received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Joint Commendation Medal. After active duty, Jackson continued to serve our nation as a federal police officer with the Department of Veterans Affairs and later transitioned to the private sector as a manager at Global-SQ. In 2020, he and his wife settled on a 25-acre farm in Harrison County — a daily reminder of the values of hard work, perseverance, and community.
The Jackson campaign will run a grassroots, Kentucky-first message that highlights:
- Service & Security: Backing veterans, supporting law enforcement, and defending communities.
- Farm & Family: Fighting for policies that protect family farms and strengthen rural economies.
- Conservative Leadership: A record of action over theatrics — a fighter who will be a reliable ally for President Trump in Washington.
“Elections are about choices,” Jackson said. “Kentuckians can keep sending the same politician who’s drifted to Washington theatrics, or they can elect someone who has spent his life serving this country and his community. I’ll be a fighter for Kentucky and ally President Trump needs in Congress.”