U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will be in Northern Kentucky with Trump-backed Republican Ed Gallrein the day before a contentious primary election that’s drawn national attention.
He’s one of many politicians and politician-adjacent people who are flooding into Northern Kentucky before Primary Election Day May 19.
U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, for instance, spoke to crowds throughout Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District over the weekend with U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-CO; U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-KY; U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-IN; U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson, R-OH; and more.
U.S. representative Thomas Massie spoke at his campaign rally with special guests in Florence, Ky. May 16, 2026
Gallrein is challenging Massie in a race that’s become the most expensive House primary in history due to Massie and Trump’s public feud with each other.
The two have butted heads on and off for years. But their relationship nosedived after Trump took office for a second term. They disagree about federal spending, U.S. engagement in foreign wars and the release of the Epstein files.
Trump vowed to support a Republican to oust Massie from office and endorsed Gallrein in October.
He also rallied for Gallrein at an event in Northern Kentucky in March during a visit to the Great Cincinnati area.
Why is Hegseth coming to NKY?
Amid that political backdrop, Hegseth is slated to visit Hebron for a special event hosted by America First Works, a conservative nonprofit that advocates for an “America First agenda,” its website states.
A news release for the event states it will celebrate the “Great American Comeback.”
“Our Nation is experiencing a comeback like never before, but we must fight to keep these America First principles going or risk losing what we’ve gained,” Ashley Hayek, America First Works president, said in the release.
Gallrein is slated to speak at the event, too.
How can I attend?
The event is scheduled for 1 p.m. May 18 at 2826 Terminal Drive in Hebron. It’s located next to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel by the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
Tickets for the event sold out within a day of the event announcement.
Have a news tip? Comment? You can reach Northern Kentucky reporter Jolene Almendarez at jolenea@usatodayco.com or follow her on social media. Keep up with Northern Kentucky news at NKY.com or by downloading our NKY news app.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Pete Hegseth to visit NKY with Gallrein day before primary election
