U.S. Representative Andy Ogles lost the Republican primary in Tennessee to Charlie Hatcher, who held a lead of roughly six percentage points with most ballots counted. Hatcher, backed by Governor Bill Lee and former Governor Bill Haslam, will face Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, the Democratic nominee, in November's general election in the heavily Republican district.
Ogles, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, drew scrutiny for past remarks, including a social media post stating that Muslims do not belong in American society. A super PAC, Invest In Tomorrow Coalition, spent approximately $2 million supporting Hatcher and opposing Ogles, who had his phone seized by the FBI in 2024 during a campaign finance investigation that did not result in charges.
Ogles is the second Trump-endorsed candidate to lose a primary this week and the ninth congressional incumbent to fall in a primary this year, the highest such tally in a non-redistricting year since 1970.