Trump backs Charlie Hatcher after Andy Ogles loses Tennessee GOP primary

Donald Trump quickly shifted his endorsement to Charlie Hatcher after Andy Ogles failed to win the Republican primary for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District. Hatcher, a former state agriculture commissioner, had raised more funds than Ogles and enjoys the support of Governor Bill Lee and former Governor Bill Haslam. The primary loss marked the second recent defeat of a Trump-backed candidate, following Amir Hassan’s loss in Michigan’s 8th District.

Redistricting after a Supreme Court decision left Ogles with only about 20% of his previous constituency, contributing to his defeat. Ogles, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, had previously sparked controversy with statements calling for a ban on immigration from predominantly Muslim nations. Hatcher will now contest the general election against Democrat Chaz Molder, the mayor of Columbia. Trump praised Hatcher on Truth Social, declaring his “complete and total endorsement.”