Tennessee voters oust Trump-backed Rep. Ogles in GOP primary
CHARLOTTE, Tenn. — Former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher defeated U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in a Republican primary Thursday for a significantly reshaped congressional district, the Associated Press reported.
The result marked a rare loss for a candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump, the AP said. Ogles had received Trump’s backing while Hatcher was supported by Gov. Bill Lee, under whom Hatcher served for seven years. Hatcher told the AP the campaign message that resonated was: “Work like a farmer, get things done and serve others.”
The contest played out on a new U.S. House map drawn in May by Republican state lawmakers after the U.S. Supreme Court weakened parts of the federal Voting Rights Act, the AP reported. The new 5th District stretches across much of central and western Tennessee; an AP estimate found about 82% of its voters are new to the district.
Voters also nominated state Sen. Brent Taylor, who was backed by Trump, to face Democratic state Rep. Justin Pearson in a reconfigured Memphis-area seat, the AP said. The new 9th District stretches about 200 miles east from Memphis and tilts Republican under the redrawing; an AP estimate found about 71% of its voters are new. Pearson said the changes amount to “political dilution and degradation of our rights,” while Taylor called Pearson “the face of the extreme left in this race,” the AP reported.
Memphis residents interviewed by the AP said the redistricting diluted Black voting strength and left voters confused about representation. Lonzo Taylor, a retired postal worker, said Black voters’ voices had been weakened. Educator Terrice Thomas said being moved into a new district forced her to learn about different candidates and raised concerns that Memphis communities could be overlooked, the AP reported.
The primaries also produced other notable outcomes, the AP said. State Rep. Johnny Garrett won the Republican primary in the 6th District. U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn won the GOP primary to succeed Gov. Bill Lee, who is term-limited. Sen. Bill Hagerty won the Republican Senate nomination without opposition and will face Democrat Marquita Bradshaw in November, the AP reported.
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