Republican Congressman Andy Ogles has lost his House primary in Tennessee, becoming the second Trump-endorsed candidate to be defeated this week.
Republican Congressman Andy Ogles has lost his House primary in Tennessee, becoming the second Trump-endorsed candidate to be defeated this week.
Former Tennessee agricultural commissioner Charlie Hatcher defeated the two-term congressman in Thursday's Republican contest for the state's 5th congressional district.
Former Tennessee agricultural commissioner Charlie Hatcher defeated the two-term congressman in Thursday's Republican contest for the state's 5th congressional district.
Hours before polls closed, US President Donald Trump said Ogles had his "complete and total endorsement for re-election".
Hours before polls closed, US President Donald Trump said Ogles had his "complete and total endorsement for re-election".
It follows the defeat of a Trump-backed Republican candidate in Michigan on Wednesday, although there were also several wins for candidates he endorsed.
It follows the defeat of a Trump-backed Republican candidate in Michigan on Wednesday, although there were also several wins for candidates he endorsed.
The winners of the primaries will go on to contest November's midterm elections.
The winners of the primaries will go on to contest November's midterm elections.
All 435 House seats and 35 of the 100 Senate seats will be up for election.
All 435 House seats and 35 of the 100 Senate seats will be up for election.
Hatcher is expected to face Columbia mayor Chaz Molder, who won the Democratic primary, in November.
Hatcher is expected to face Columbia mayor Chaz Molder, who won the Democratic primary, in November.
Ogles, who has represented Tennessee's 5th district since taking office in 2023, has been at the centre of a number of controversies during his time in Congress.
Ogles, who has represented Tennessee's 5th district since taking office in 2023, has been at the centre of a number of controversies during his time in Congress.
He was investigated over alleged campaign finance violations but was not charged with a crime. He has denied wrongdoing.
He was investigated over alleged campaign finance violations but was not charged with a crime. He has denied wrongdoing.
He also sparked backlash for anti-Muslim comments, including posts on X in which he said "Muslims don't belong in American society" and "America and Islam are incompatible".
He also sparked backlash for anti-Muslim comments, including posts on X in which he said "Muslims don't belong in American society" and "America and Islam are incompatible".
In his latest endorsement of Ogles in a Truth Social post on Thursday, Trump said: "Congressman Andy Ogles is doing a fantastic job," adding: "Andy is a Conservative Warrior who has strong support from his Community."
In his latest endorsement of Ogles in a Truth Social post on Thursday, Trump said: "Congressman Andy Ogles is doing a fantastic job," adding: "Andy is a Conservative Warrior who has strong support from his Community."
In Tennessee, Trump-backed Amir Hassan finished significantly behind Tom Smith, who had suspended his campaign in July and endorsed another candidate.
In Tennessee, Trump-backed Amir Hassan finished significantly behind Tom Smith, who had suspended his campaign in July and endorsed another candidate.
But Trump's endorsement is still highly sought after in Republican primaries and he had a string of wins this week.
But Trump's endorsement is still highly sought after in Republican primaries and he had a string of wins this week.
John James won Michigan's Republican nomination for governor despite being heavily outspent by his wealthy opponent. Trump not only spoke out in support of James but appeared on stage with him last week.
John James won Michigan's Republican nomination for governor despite being heavily outspent by his wealthy opponent. Trump not only spoke out in support of James but appeared on stage with him last week.
In Kansas, Republicans opted for Trump's choice for governor and in a Washington state House race, Amanda McKinney, the president's pick, also finished first.
In Kansas, Republicans opted for Trump's choice for governor and in a Washington state House race, Amanda McKinney, the president's pick, also finished first.
This year's primary season has seen an unusually high number of incumbents lose their party's renomination.
This year's primary season has seen an unusually high number of incumbents lose their party's renomination.
Six Democrats and three Republicans have been defeated, the highest number in a non-redistricting election cycle since 1970, according to Vital Statistics on Congress.
Six Democrats and three Republicans have been defeated, the highest number in a non-redistricting election cycle since 1970, according to Vital Statistics on Congress.
