Trump-Endorsed Congressman Andy Ogles Loses Republican Primary in Tennessee.

Republican Congressman Andy Ogles has lost his party's primary election in Tennessee, marking a rare defeat for a candidate endorsed by US President Donald Trump.

Ogles, who has represented Tennessee in Congress since 2022, was defeated by Charlie Hatcher, the state's former Agriculture Commissioner. With nearly 90 percent of the votes counted, Hatcher held a lead of about 6.6 percentage points.

Despite receiving Trump's "complete and total endorsement" on election day, Ogles was unable to secure the Republican nomination. Hatcher, who also identifies as a supporter of Trump, later received an endorsement from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.

The newly drawn congressional district is considered a Republican stronghold. Hatcher is expected to face Democratic candidate Chaz Molder, the mayor of Columbia, Tennessee, in the November general election.

Ogles has been widely criticized for several controversial remarks about Muslims. Earlier this year, he wrote on social media that "Muslims don't belong in American society," a statement that drew widespread condemnation. He also faced backlash in 2024 over comments made during a confrontation with a pro-Palestinian activist regarding the war in Gaza.

During the campaign, Hatcher publicly rejected Ogles' anti-Muslim rhetoric, saying that many Muslim Americans are law-abiding citizens who serve the country honorably, including members of the US military.

Ogles' defeat is the second loss this week for a congressional candidate endorsed by President Trump, as the United States continues its 2026 midterm primary elections ahead of the November vote.

Source: Al Jazeera

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