Tennessee Voters Reject Trump-Backed Congressman in Redistricted House Seat Race
In a significant political development, former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher defeated U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in a Republican primary for a newly reshaped congressional district. This marks a rare instance where a candidate endorsed by President Trump was not successful. The primary was the first test of a new U.S. House map redrawn by Republican state lawmakers after the U.S. Supreme Court weakened federal Voting Rights Act protections. The redistricting, supported by Trump, aimed to maintain a Republican majority in the House. The 9th Congressional District, previously a majority Black area in Memphis, was reconfigured, affecting the political landscape significantly. Ogles, a member of the conservative Freedom Caucus, faced controversies including an FBI investigation into his campaign finances, which was recently dropped. Despite Trump's endorsement, Hatcher, backed by Republican Gov. Bill Lee, won the primary by emphasizing his farming background.