Trump-endorsed Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles loses primary
Incumbent Republican Rep. Andy Ogles was defeated in the Tennessee 5th District primary, marking the second loss this week for a candidate backed by President Donald Trump.
Incumbent Republican Congressman Andy Ogles was defeated in Tuesday's primary for Tennessee's 5th congressional district, ending his bid for a second term. The loss follows a similar defeat of a Trump-endorsed Republican in Michigan earlier in the week, though other candidates supported by the former president secured victories in separate races.
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social shortly before polls closed, stating he gave Ogles his "complete and total endorsement for re-election" and describing him as a "Conservative Warrior" with strong community support. Despite the endorsement, Ogles, who has served since 2023, faced criticism over past controversies, including an investigation into alleged campaign-finance violations that did not result in charges and past anti-Muslim statements on social media.
The primary winners will advance to the November midterm elections, where all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are contested. In the general election, the Democratic nominee, Columbia mayor Chaz Molder, is expected to challenge the Republican victor.
Other races highlighted the mixed outcomes for Trump-backed candidates: John James secured the Republican nomination for Michigan governor, and Republican nominees endorsed by Trump won contests in Kansas and Washington state.