NASHVILLE, Tennessee — Gov. Bill Lee broke with President Donald Trump two days before Tennessee’s primary by endorsing former state Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher over incumbent Republican Rep. Andy Ogles.
Lee described Hatcher as a longtime friend who had served farmers as a veterinarian before joining his administration. Hatcher led the Tennessee Department of Agriculture from 2019 until 2025 and has presented himself as a reliable conservative who would support Trump’s agenda in Congress.
Trump, however, endorsed Ogles and urged voters during a July 28 telephone rally to return the two-term congressman to Washington. Ogles has consistently aligned himself with the president and the House Freedom Caucus.
The late endorsement highlights divisions within Tennessee’s Republican establishment. Hatcher has characterized himself as a results-oriented “work horse,” while accusing Ogles of behaving like a “show horse” more interested in publicity. Outside groups have spent millions supporting Hatcher, including an additional $700,000 during the campaign’s final week.
Ogles has drawn bipartisan criticism for saying Muslims do not belong in American society and posting that homosexuality has “no place in America.” He deleted the latter post and blamed a staff member.
The Republican nominee will be heavily favored in November. The district has been drawn to favor the GOP, and Ogles won both previous general elections by double-digit margins.
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