Reports from Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District indicate a significant shift in voter sentiment regarding Representative Thomas Massie.
Internal Republican polling conducted by McLaughlin & Associates between August 10th and 12th shows a marked decline in support for the incumbent congressman. The survey, which sampled 500 likely Republican voters, carries a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.
Representative Massie, who has held office since November 2012, has seen his favorability rating drop from 54% in June to 43% in August. Concurrently, his unfavorability rating has risen to 54% from 40%. His overall job approval has declined from 52% to 39%.
Massie, known for his libertarian principles and limited government stance, recently voted against a major GOP-backed spending bill, drawing criticism from former President Donald Trump. This action appears to have sparked a significant advertising campaign in Massie’s district by MAGA Inc., a pro-Trump super PAC.
The poll suggests the advertising campaign has been effective. The majority of respondents, 53%, indicated they are less likely to vote for Massie based on recent information they have encountered.
The poll reveals that Massie’s “re-elect score” has decreased from 41% in June to 30%. Political analysts often consider incumbents with scores under 40% to be vulnerable in primary elections.
Supporters of Massie point to his consistent electoral success, having won his last primary with 75.9% of the vote. Critics, including former President Trump, argue that Massie’s voting record puts him at odds with the Republican base.
As we approach future elections, these poll results may influence party strategies and candidate selection processes in Kentucky’s 4th District.