What You Need to Know
• Congressman Andy Ogles lost his Republican primary in Tennessee to Charlie Hatcher despite Donald Trump’s endorsement.
• Ogles, who has made controversial anti-Muslim statements, was defeated by Hatcher by a 6.6-point margin.
• Hatcher will face Democratic candidate Chaz Molder in the November election for the congressional seat.
United States Congressman Andy Ogles lost his Republican primary in Tennessee on August 7, 2026, to Charlie Hatcher, the former agricultural commissioner of the state, despite receiving a “complete and total endorsement” from President Donald Trump earlier that day. With nearly 90 percent of the votes counted, Hatcher led Ogles by 6.6 points. Ogles, who was first elected in 2022, was running in a newly redrawn district designed to maintain Republican control in the U.S. House of Representatives. Hatcher, who has also aligned himself with Trump, will compete against Chaz Molder, the Democratic mayor of Columbia, in the upcoming November election.
Why It Matters
This primary election result is significant as it marks a rare instance where a Trump endorsement did not secure victory for a candidate. Andy Ogles has faced backlash for his inflammatory remarks against the Muslim community, which may have influenced voter sentiment. The outcome reflects broader political dynamics in Tennessee, where Republicans have sought to solidify their majority amid rising discontent over economic issues and international conflicts. Charlie Hatcher’s victory could signal a shift in voter priorities within the Republican base in the state.
Read the Full Story →
