LEXINGTON, Ky. — Candidates competing in Kentucky's Fourth District congressional race are making final pitches to voters ahead of what has become the most expensive U.S. House primary in history, according to WUKY 91.3 FM.

The closely-watched Republican primary contest will test whether Rep. Thomas Massie can defy party orthodoxy once again in a district that has become increasingly aligned with former President Donald Trump. Massie, a Fort Campbell-based congressman known for his libertarian-leaning positions and willingness to break with GOP leadership, has faced primary challenges before from more establishment-friendly candidates.

The record-breaking spending in the race underscores the national significance of the Fourth District contest, which encompasses much of Northern and Eastern Kentucky. The campaign has attracted attention and funding from national political organizations seeking to shape the direction of the Republican Party in a heavily conservative region.

Massie's political career has been marked by his independence from party pressure. He has frequently voted against leadership-backed measures and has built a following among libertarian-minded conservatives who value his principled stands on constitutional issues and limited government. However, that independence has also made him a target for critics who question whether his positions align with the broader GOP agenda.

The primary outcome will likely provide insight into whether Kentucky voters in the district prioritize party unity and loyalty to Trump or prefer candidates who maintain independent voting records and challenge party consensus on key issues. With the stakes elevated by record campaign spending, both campaigns are intensifying their efforts in the final days before Tuesday's primary election.