Ex-Girlfriend Accuses Rep. Thomas Massie of Hush Money Offer Amid Primary Battle

Former Girlfriend Alleges Hush Money Offer from Rep. Thomas Massie

Cynthia West, a former girlfriend of Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), has accused the Kentucky Republican of offering her $5,000 to drop a wrongful termination complaint against his close ally, Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN). The accusation surfaced just one week before Massie's May 19 primary election.

West stated she had no coordination or communication with former President Donald Trump's political operation or the campaign of Massie's primary opponent, Ed Gallein.

Cash Offer Tied to Previous Gifts

According to West, the $5,000 offer involved cash that Massie had previously given her during their relationship. West claimed she later returned the money to him.

Motivation Behind Speaking Out

West told Axios she decided to break her silence because she resented Massie for advocating transparency regarding the release of the Epstein files, while allegedly attempting to silence her over accusations against his ally, Spartz.

Employment and Termination in Spartz's Office

West worked in Spartz's office for approximately six weeks after Massie, her boyfriend at the time, arranged the position. Following their breakup, West alleges she was fired by Spartz, who has been described by Legistorm as one of the "worst bosses on the Hill."

In March 2025, West received a proposed settlement of $60,000 in her wrongful termination complaint against Spartz. However, the offer included a nondisclosure agreement (NDA), which West refused to sign.

Statements from Involved Parties

Rep. Thomas Massie: When reached for comment, Massie declined to respond and referred inquiries to Kentucky state Rep. Steven Doan, a family law attorney. Doan questioned West's credibility, citing filings from her prior divorce.

Massie's political account on X (formerly Twitter) hid replies to posts linking to West's accusations. His campaign later issued a statement, saying:

"These last-minute dirty tricks don't merit a response. The trashy lies they're putting out now demonstrate how desperate they are."

Rep. Victoria Spartz's Office: A spokesperson stated, "Our office cannot comment on the details of Ms. West's pending allegations, but we can confirm that Ms. West held a temporary 90-day probationary position with our office, and her employment was not extended beyond that period due to unsatisfactory job performance."

West's Perspective and Campaign

West, who is running as a school board candidate in Okaloosa County, Florida, stated she is campaigning against bullying and toxic political environments, which she experienced in Spartz's office. She said:

"What kind of person would I be if I did this [by taking a settlement with an NDA] when I have the ability to teach the culture?"

West also addressed her divorce case, acknowledging that her shortcomings were her own fault because she represented herself instead of hiring an attorney.

Timeline of Events

• August 2024: West began dating Massie after he messaged her on X shortly after his wife's death.
• Late December 2024: Massie arranged for West to work in Spartz's office so she could be in Washington, D.C., during his time there.
• Mid-January 2025: West and Massie ended their relationship.