Trump-Backed GOP Rep Andy Ogles Loses Tennessee Primary in Major Blow to Prez

(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

A Republican congressman backed by President Donald Trump was defeated in Tennessee’s primary elections, marking the second loss this week for a candidate carrying the president’s endorsement ahead of November’s midterms.

Former Tennessee agriculture commissioner Charlie Hatcher unseated two-term Rep. Andy Ogles in the Republican primary for the state’s 5th Congressional District on Thursday, despite Trump offering his endorsement just hours before polls closed.

In a Truth Social post, Trump praised the incumbent, writing: “Congressman Andy Ogles is doing a fantastic job,” before adding: “Andy is a Conservative Warrior who has strong support from his Community.”

The result, however, serves as a fresh reminder that the president’s backing, while still influential, has not proved decisive in every race this cycle.

Hatcher will now advance to November’s election, where he is expected to face Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, who secured the Democratic nomination.

Ogles has represented Tennessee’s 5th District since 2023, but was investigated over alleged campaign finance violations, which he denied, and became known for issuing inflammatory remarks on social media about Muslims.

Despite the setbacks, Trump continued to notch primary victories elsewhere this week with his endorsed candidates winning contests across Michigan, Kansas, and Washington state.

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