Trump-endorsed Rep. Andy Ogles loses Tennessee GOP primary to Charlie Hatcher

Incumbent Rep. Andy Ogles was projected to lose the Republican primary for Tennessee's 5th congressional district after former Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher led by just over six percentage points with more than 80% of votes counted, according to unofficial results compiled by the Associated Press.

The defeat marks the second primary loss this week for a candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump, who previously praised Ogles as a "Conservative Warrior" but later described him as a loyal supporter with little chance of winning.

Hatcher, who secured endorsements from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and former Governor Bill Haslam, will face Democratic nominee Chaz Molder, the mayor of Columbia, in the November general election. The district, described as deeply conservative, was recently redrawn, extending from the Nashville suburbs to the Memphis area and adding a large agricultural constituency.

During the campaign, Ogles, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, faced criticism for past social-media posts opposing homosexuality and Muslims, which he later said were written by a staff member and subsequently removed. His phone was seized by the FBI in a campaign-finance investigation but was returned without charges.

Financial disclosures show Ogles raised $613,135, while Hatcher raised $719,503. A pro-clean-energy super PAC, Invest In Tomorrow Coalition, spent about $2 million supporting Hatcher and opposing Ogles, citing Ogles' opposition to green-energy subsidies.

"Tennessee's 5th District just proved once again that standing in the way of America's energy future comes with a hefty political price," said Tom Matzzie, chair of the Invest In Tomorrow Coalition and CEO of CleanChoice Energy.

Hatcher attributed his victory partly to the district's redrawing, which introduced many new voters familiar with his background as a dairy farmer and livestock veterinarian. He noted that agricultural communities recognized his name more than Ogles'.

In a victory speech, Hatcher said Ogles called to concede and offered assistance with the transition to Congress, which Hatcher accepted.

"I don't know what D.C. is going to be like. It's going to be a new environment for me. I appreciate anybody that can mentor me and help me in that process," Hatcher told reporter Nikki Hauser.