Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee has lost his bid for renomination in the Republican primary, as projected by NBC News. He was defeated by Charlie Hatcher, a former state agricultural commissioner. This primary season has seen an unusually high number of incumbents losing renomination.
Charlie Hatcher, supported by key establishment Republicans, overtook Ogles despite Ogles’ endorsement from President Donald Trump. Now, Hatcher is poised to win the general election in the predominantly Republican district.
Ogles was challenged by a significant financial disadvantage. A pro-clean energy group launched a substantial advertising campaign against him, leading to his criticism expressed in a Fox News interview.
Although Ogles had Trump’s endorsement, Hatcher’s support came from influential Republicans like Gov. Bill Lee, former Gov. Bill Haslam, and former Trump Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. Ogles has been involved in multiple controversies. This year, he stated Muslims do not belong in American society, admitted to a homophobic social media post which he later removed, and argued against New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s citizenship. He was investigated for campaign finance issues, but no charges were filed. Ogles confirmed the Justice Department returned his cellphone after seizing it during the investigation.
Despite previously overcoming well-funded opposition, Ogles fell short this time. Hatcher did not distance himself from Trump, aligning with Trump’s policies and drawing contrasts with Ogles. Hatcher’s campaign website emphasized action over rhetoric: “Think what President Trump could do if our congressman spent less time talking and more time doing.”
Ogles is one of nine House members — six Democrats and three Republicans — to lose a primary this year, the highest since 1970 in a non-redistricting year, according to Vital Statistics on Congress. Additionally, Senators Bill Cassidy and John Cornyn also lost primaries, and Rep. Tony Gonzales opted to resign after finishing second in his primary.