NASHVILLE — Republican U.S. Representative Andy Ogles lost his bid for renomination in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District on Thursday, falling to former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher in a closely watched primary despite the backing of President Donald Trump.
Hatcher's victory marked one of the year's most significant congressional primary upsets and a rare defeat for an incumbent endorsed by Trump. The result followed a campaign shaped by Tennessee's newly redrawn congressional map, heavy outside spending, and divisions within the state's Republican establishment.
Trump had endorsed Ogles and participated in campaign efforts on his behalf in the final days before the primary. Hatcher, a veterinarian, farmer and former state agriculture commissioner, secured endorsements from Republican Governor Bill Lee, former Governor Bill Haslam and several other prominent state and national Republicans.
The 5th District was substantially reshaped through redistricting ahead of the 2026 election cycle. Political analysts had viewed the revised district as strongly favorable to Republicans in the November general election, making the GOP primary effectively the decisive contest.
During the campaign, Ogles faced criticism over a series of controversies that drew national attention during his tenure in Congress, including scrutiny of his campaign finances. The U.S. Department of Justice earlier this year agreed to return Ogles' cellphone that had been seized during a federal investigation into campaign finance reporting, a move widely interpreted as signaling the probe was ending. No criminal charges were filed against Ogles.
Hatcher's campaign emphasized his experience in agriculture and conservative credentials while arguing that he would focus more on legislative work than political confrontation. Ogles, first elected to Congress in 2022, campaigned as a staunch Trump ally and member of the House Freedom Caucus.
The Democratic nomination for the district was won by Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, setting up a November contest between Hatcher and Molder. Given the district's Republican lean following redistricting, political forecasters have generally viewed the seat as favoring the GOP.
The Tennessee primary also featured other high-profile statewide and congressional races, but Ogles' defeat stood out as one of the most notable incumbent losses of the 2026 election cycle and an uncommon setback for a candidate carrying Trump's endorsement.
