Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles loses GOP primary to Charlie Hatcher, third House Republican to fall in 2026

Published Aug 6, 10:58 PM UTC

Tennessee Republican Representative Andy Ogles lost his primary election on August 6, 2026, to former state Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, becoming the third House Republican to lose a primary that year. Ogles trailed Hatcher 53% to 47% when the race was called. The defeat is notable as a rare loss for President Donald Trump, who had endorsed Ogles. Ogles faced multiple controversies including résumé embellishment accusations, a House Ethics investigation into campaign finances, and inflammatory remarks about Muslims and homosexuality. The 5th District had been significantly redrawn under Tennessee's new congressional map, shifting from Middle Tennessee to a district connecting Memphis to the Nashville area along the Kentucky border. Hatcher, a dairy farmer and veterinarian, received late endorsements from Governor Bill Lee and former Governor Bill Haslam, and outraised Ogles $720,000 to $613,000. Hatcher will face Democratic nominee Chaz Molder in the general election, though the district is rated Solid Republican by Inside Elections.