In a surprising turn of events, former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher triumphed over U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in a Republican primary for a reshaped congressional district. This defeat marked a rare repudiation of a candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
The reshaped district was part of a broader redistricting effort by Republican state lawmakers following changes to the federal Voting Rights Act protections. This was a strategic move to maintain a slim House majority for Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections. Tennessee Republicans currently hold eight out of nine congressional seats and aim to sweep all districts in November. The 9th Congressional District in Memphis, traditionally majority Black and Democratic, underwent significant alteration, influencing Ogles’ 5th District as well.
Trump-backed state Sen. Brent Taylor will face Democratic state Rep. Justin Pearson for another reconfigured U.S. House district. Pearson gained national attention after being expelled from the Tennessee House for protesting in favor of gun control measures.
Despite lacking Trump’s endorsement, Charlie Hatcher enjoyed support from Republican Governor Bill Lee, under whom he served for seven years. Hatcher campaigned on a pro-Trump platform while emphasizing his agricultural background, stating, “Work like a farmer, get things done and serve others.”
Ogles, a member of the conservative Freedom Caucus, was dogged by controversies involving campaign finance and his resume. His phone was seized by the FBI in 2024 amid a probe into his campaign finance reporting, which the Justice Department later abandoned.
Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder emerged as the Democratic candidate in the 5th District. In the 9th District, newly drawn lines have shifted its political leanings. The district, previously Democratic, now has a Republican tilt with 71% of voters new to the district.
Democratic Rep. Justin J. Pearson highlighted the erosion of the Voting Rights Act, stating, “The political dilution and degradation of our rights is happening.” He expressed determination to move closer to Washington, D.C.
Republican State Sen. Brent Taylor portrayed Pearson as representing extreme left activism, contrasting his own support for deploying National Guard troops to combat crime in Memphis with Pearson’s opposition.
Redistricting has significantly altered Memphis’ political landscape. Previously, Memphis was the center of its own congressional district. Now, its territory is divided into three regions extending into rural areas. Lonzo Taylor, a retired postal worker, voiced concerns over diluted Black voter impact, expressing disappointment with Governor Lee.
Terrice Thomas, an educator, lamented the complexities of learning about new candidates due to district changes, questioning whether all constituents will have equitable influence on matters affecting their communities.
Republican U.S. Rep. John Rose’s decision to run for governor led to State Rep. Johnny Garrett securing a win in the Republican primary for the open 6th District. This area, stretching east from Nashville, leaned GOP.
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, defeating John Rose. Memphis City Council member Jerri Green won the Democratic nomination. Since 2011, Republicans have dominated Tennessee’s gubernatorial office and secured every U.S. Senate election. Sen. Bill Hagerty won his primary unopposed and will challenge Democrat Marquita Bradshaw in the November election.