Massie's Primary Challenge Intensifies Amid Controversy
William Paul, son of Senator Rand Paul (R., Ky.), directed anti-Semitic remarks at Rep. Mike Lawler (R., N.Y.) during a Capitol Hill incident, blaming Jews for potential political fallout involving Rep. Thomas Massie (R., Ky.), according to a report by NOTUS.
Paul approached Lawler at a restaurant bar, stating that if Massie loses his primary to Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein, it would be due to "your people." When Lawler clarified he is not Jewish, Paul apologized "for calling you a Jew" and accused Jews of being "anti-American," claiming Lawler and his "Jewish supporters" prioritize Israel over the U.S. He also advised Lawler to "watch more Tucker Carlson," per NOTUS.
The incident occurred as Massie faces a competitive primary against Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL. Massie, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump, has been labeled a "weak and pathetic RINO" by the former president. Trump has also questioned the timing of Massie's remarriage to Carolyn Grace Moffa, a former staffer to Senator Paul.
Allegations of Impropriety Surface
Separately, former Republican congressional aide Cynthia West accused Massie of offering her $5,000 to drop a "retaliatory discharge" complaint against Rep. Victoria Spartz (R., Ind.), a Massie ally. West alleged she began dating Massie after the death of his first wife and that he secured her a job in Spartz's office. She ended the relationship after he requested uncomfortable behavior, leading to her termination. Documents obtained by Axios show the congressional office offered West $60,000 to settle the complaint.
William Paul has a history of alcohol-related incidents, including a 2015 DUI plea and dropped charges for underage drinking and assaulting a flight attendant in 2013. He released a statement apologizing for his remarks, citing alcoholism and pledging to seek treatment.
Massie's campaign has drawn support from left-leaning donors, including Sam Mahrouq, a Texas businessman who contributed $7,000 to Massie and $150,000 to progressive lawmakers like Reps. Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.) and Rashida Tlaib (D., Mich.). The Integrity Political Action Committee, which partnered with the Democratic Socialists of America, also donated to Massie. Meanwhile, Senator Paul has actively campaigned for Massie, hosting events and endorsing him in October.