Congressman Andy Ogles of Tennessee lost his Republican primary race on Thursday to Charlie Hatcher, the state’s former agricultural commissioner. This outcome represents an unusual instance in which President Donald Trump’s endorsement failed to secure victory for the endorsed candidate in a Republican contest. Despite Trump’s declaration of “complete and total endorsement” for Ogles earlier that day, Hatcher maintained a 6.6-point advantage with nearly 90 percent of votes tallied.
Ogles, first elected in 2022, was competing in a newly redrawn district following redistricting efforts by Republicans aimed at preserving their House majority. Hatcher, who has positioned himself as supportive of Trump, subsequently received a late endorsement from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. The winner will face Chaz Molder, the Democratic mayor of Columbia, in the general election scheduled for November.
The congressman has drawn significant criticism and condemnation across the political spectrum for statements targeting the Muslim community. In March, Ogles posted on social media that “Muslims don’t belong in American society. Pluralism is a lie.” Additionally, in 2024, when questioned about Palestinian casualties from US-backed military actions, Ogles responded with inflammatory language before clarifying his comments were directed at Hamas members. Hatcher has explicitly distanced himself from such rhetoric, stating that Muslim Americans are “good, law-abiding people” and noting the presence of Muslim service members in the US military.
Ogles’s loss marks the second primary defeat this week for a Trump-endorsed candidate, following Michigan Navy veteran Amir Hassan’s Tuesday loss to Thomas Smith, who had previously suspended his campaign. The primary election season is currently underway across the country as both major parties select nominees for the general election. All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats will be contested in November.
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