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NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsAugust 7, 2026Hillsborough

Charlie Hatcher defeats U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in Tennessee Republican primary

Former Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher defeated incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in a Republican primary for a newly redrawn congressional district. The election served as the first test of a controversial U.S. House map that split Memphis-area districts and was redrawn by state lawmakers following U.S. Supreme Court rulings on the Voting Rights Act.

electionsredistrictingvoting_rightscongressional_districts
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Why It Matters

The election results determine the Republican nominees for several congressional seats in a state where new district maps have significantly altered voter demographics and partisan leanings ahead of the November general election.

Key Facts

  • Charlie Hatcher defeated incumbent U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in the Republican primary for the 5th Congressional District.
  • State Sen. Brent Taylor (R) will face state Rep. Justin Pearson (D) in the newly reconfigured 9th Congressional District.
  • The new congressional map was redrawn by state lawmakers in May following U.S. Supreme Court rulings weakening the Voting Rights Act.
  • The 5th District now contains 82% new voters compared to its previous iteration.
  • The 9th District, formerly a majority-Black district favoring Democrats, now tilts Republican with 71% new voters.
  • U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen announced he would not seek reelection following the redistricting of his district.
  • The FBI seized and subsequently returned U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles' cellphone in 2024 as part of a campaign finance investigation that the Justice Department has since abandoned.
  • U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn won the Republican primary for Governor.
  • Memphis City Council member Jerri Green won the Democratic primary for Governor.
  • Sen. Bill Hagerty will face Marquita Bradshaw in the November general election for the U.S. Senate seat.

Who's Mentioned

personAndy Ogles“Incumbent U.S. Representative defeated in the primary.”personDonald Trump“Former President who endorsed Ogles.”personBrent Taylor“State Senator and Republican nominee for the 9th District.”personJustin Pearson“State Representative and Democratic nominee for the 9th District.”locationTennessee“State where the primary elections took place.”personCharlie Hatcher“Former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner and winner of the 5th District GOP pri”personMarsha Blackburn“U.S. Senator and GOP nominee for Governor.”personBill Lee“Governor of Tennessee.”