Four Republicans have chosen to back the “Epstein File Transparency Act,” a move that seems to clash with President Trump’s interests and could reshape their political paths.

Joining them are 213 Democrats who backed a discharge petition aimed at moving the bill forward. The Republicans involved—Rep. Thomas Massey from Kentucky, Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, Anna Paulina Luna from Florida, and Nancy Mace from South Carolina—have all faced significant political hurdles in the past, though many Republicans still align closely with Trump, whose influence has been waning.

The White House has characterized support for this petition as “very hostile.” Meanwhile, Trump has reduced the discussions around convicted sex offenders to mere political theatrics, labeling them as “hoots” driven by Democrats.

Consultants familiar with the upcoming 2026 races for these GOP members shared insights on how their break with Trump might impact the midterms, although they requested anonymity for candidness.

Massey’s political consultant believes that crucial disclosure of the Epstein Files won’t deter those Republicans keen on distancing themselves from Trump. The consultant remarked, somewhat cynically, about past attempts to unseat Massey after a vote against Mike Johnson for speaker in January. They see the Epstein resolution more as a symptom of underlying issues rather than a root cause, noting that a Trump SuperPAC has already earmarked $1.82 million for negative ads against Massey.

Massey’s district in northern Kentucky is noted for its unusual mix: a blend of libertarians, traditional Catholics, and conservative voters. This diverse constituency has produced historically low voter turnout, yet Massey has navigated several tough political environments, often at odds with Trump.

In an interview, Massey downplayed concerns about potential political fallout. “While Trump doesn’t support the release of the Epstein Files, my constituents want to see them revealed,” he explained. He expressed hope that others in his party would consider the interests of their voters and advocate for the victims.

Conversely, Greene has aligned herself closely with Trump, supporting the release of the Epstein Files and partaking in a press conference where victims called for transparency. Despite her endorsement of the discharge petition, some consultants suggest Greene’s messaging lacks clarity and may need more than just careful maneuvering to resonate in her next challenge.

Another advisor commented on Greene’s consistent support from her base, suggesting it would be challenging for opponents to gain traction against her. A spokesperson for Greene confirmed her ongoing commitment to supporting Epstein’s victims, irrespective of political implications.

The current situation diverges from previous instances where Trump loyalists faced voter backlash. The existing concern surrounding the Epstein Files tends to resonate more profoundly with Trump’s supporters, making these GOP lawmakers’ positions a bit more precarious.

A former party operative indicated that the GOP members who signed the Epstein petition remain generally consistent with Trump’s platform, although the political landscape is shifting. They underscored the delicate majority Republicans now have, emphasizing the need to maintain unity as the issue unfolds.

Hoffman, an executive director connected to the Tampa Bay Young Republicans, noted the importance of Luna’s political maneuvering heading into 2026. Meanwhile, Mace stands out as she moves toward a gubernatorial candidacy in South Carolina, focusing on maintaining her political future, as failing in the governor’s primary could jeopardize her congressional seat.

Despite the potential challenges of navigating two campaigns, consultants suggested that Mace’s involvement in the discharge petition is unlikely to hinder her, and that she is aware of the implications of losing Trump’s support early on.

The discharge petition is a rare strategy allowing lawmakers to bypass leadership for a floor vote, requiring a minimum of 218 signatures. GOP leaders have been cautious, arguing that ongoing inquiries into Epstein’s actions would yield results, and the future of this resolution may ultimately hinge on four open seats requiring those signatures to pass.

The Daily Caller reached out to both Luna and Mace for comment but didn’t receive any responses prior to publication.