- Former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher defeated U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in a Republican primary for a significantly redrawn congressional district.
- Ogles' loss is notable as he was endorsed by President Donald Trump, who had praised him as a 'Conservative Warrior' despite scrutiny over his campaign finances and resume.
- The primaries were the first test for a new House map, redrawn by Republican state lawmakers following a Supreme Court decision that weakened federal Voting Rights Act protections, a move supported by President Donald Trump.
- The redistricting created districts with a high percentage of new voters, such as 82% in the 5th District and 71% in the 9th District, and divided Memphis among three districts, raising concerns about diluted Black voter influence.
- In the newly configured 9th District, State Senator Brent Taylor, also backed by President Donald Trump, will face Democratic state Representative Justin Pearson, who gained national attention after his expulsion and subsequent re-election for protesting gun control measures.
IN FULL
Andy Ogles, one of Trump’s biggest MAGA supporters, just lost his Republican primary in Tennessee