Kenton County Republicans heard from Paul Ryan last night.

He's going up against Congressman Thomas Massie in the fourth Congressional District primary.

A couple of the top contenders for U.S.

Senate also made their way to Northern Kentucky to make their case to the voters.

Our Emily Sisk was there in Covington and has the latest, as we count down to Kentucky's 2026 primary election.

16 weeks ago, Ed Gal Ryan, a former Navy Seal and farmer, took the stage at the King County Lincoln Day dinner last night to explain why he wants to serve Kentuckians in the fourth Congressional District.

Gal Ryan is going up against incumbent Republican Congressman Thomas Massie in the upcoming primary.

Now, Ryan and Massie have yet to formally debate one another, and they have rarely been spotted together at campaign events.

I asked Gal Ryan if he plans to debate the incumbent congressman before May 19th.

I'm making him every day.

I'm glad you asked that question.

He's had 15 years to make his case to these people.

Get this quote right.

15 years.

What's he got to say now?

What's he not said?

He's not said already.

Massie, who is in his seventh term in Congress, was unable to attend Thursday night's dinner as he was on the House floor in Washington.

Gal Ryan scorned Massie for voting against former President Donald Trump's policies like the one big, beautiful bill.

She's gone to Washington, D.C.

he's burned every bridge, burned a bridge factory, run everybody out the middle bridge.

That's a conservative Republican.

And that's why the mainstream media loves him, because he he advances their cause for the liberals and the Democrats.

President Trump endorsed Gal Ryan, and they even took the stage together when the president visited Northern Kentucky in March.

Gal Ryan recalled a phone conversation he had with Trump last October when he said the president asked him to join the race, adding.

You need to serve our nation again.

It matters.

Then it hit me hard because I had already lived a life of sacred obligation as a career Seal officer.

Gal Ryan identified himself as a fifth generation Kentucky farmer, a former Army Ranger and Navy Seal officer.

He also attended Murray State University, where he played college football.

The congressional candidate explained what his top priorities would be if elected.

Secure the border.

Grow the economy.

Restore law and order back the blue.

Strengthen our military and, like President Trump, protect the sanctity of life.

Two candidates for United States Senate also attended last night's Lincoln Day dinner.

Sixth District Congressman Andy Barr said he's already working with the president and his current role, and he'd be ready to act on day one as a United States senator.

I am battle tested.

I flipped a Democratic seat in the one swing district in the state.

I block the Democrats path.

I defeat Democrats.

That's what I. Do.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that sources close to the president said Trump is, quote, considering endorsing Barr, but he also may not endorse any candidate.

I asked Barr about that report.

Well, the president speaks for the president.

No anonymous sources speak for the president.

And so, he will make that decision.

No one else.

In turn, former Attorney General Daniel Cameron touted his support for the president and his hopes for Trump's endorsement.

I'd be honored to have President Trump's support, and he's endorsed me two times previously and certainly been grateful for his help.

And I've always had his back.

Both candidates for U.S.

Senate called Northern Kentucky an economic hub for the state and shared how they would support the region if elected.

And someone who aspires to serve on the Senate Banking Committee.

I have great hope and vision for Northern Kentucky, attracting more financial services innovation to Northern Kentucky.

I was proud when I was attorney general, I put in office here in Kent County because I care deeply about this community and wanted them to know that by putting in office here.

And I know that office is still doing, good work.

Nate Morris, another front runner in the Republican primary for U.S.

Senate, did not attend Thursday night's dinner for Kentucky Edition.

I'm in the places.