Tennessee Governor backs Charlie Hatcher in GOP House primary against Trump-endorsed Andy Ogles

Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee publicly endorsed Charlie Hatcher, the former state Agriculture Commissioner, in the upcoming Republican primary for the U.S. House seat. Lee emphasized their 25-year friendship and Hatcher’s seven-year service as his agriculture commissioner, noting the candidate’s strong conservative principles and early support for President Trump. The endorsement was released on Tuesday, just before the August 6 primary but after early voting had already ended.

Hatcher responded on Facebook, expressing gratitude for Lee’s confidence and recalling his work on behalf of Tennessee’s farmers and rural communities. The primary pits Hatcher against incumbent Rep. Andy Ogles, who has served since early 2023 and received Trump’s endorsement last year as a “Conservative Warrior.”