President Donald Trump’s influence among Republican voters underwent a test in Tennessee on Thursday. Voters participated in the state’s initial primaries under a newly redrawn congressional map aimed at enhancing Republican chances of expanding their narrow majority in the U.S. House this fall.
The results delivered mixed outcomes for Trump in two noteworthy Republican House primaries. State Sen. Brent Taylor, backed by Trump, secured the GOP nomination in the redrawn 9th Congressional District. Meanwhile, former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher defeated Trump-endorsed incumbent Rep. Andy Ogles in the 5th District.
Taylor’s success sets up a November contest against progressive state Rep. Justin Pearson. Pearson gained national attention as part of the “Tennessee Three,” lawmakers who were expelled after a gun control protest in 2023.
Additionally, Sen. Marsha Blackburn captured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, positioning herself to potentially become Tennessee’s first female governor. This move could open the door for another U.S. Senate appointment. Blackburn expressed gratitude to Tennessee, stating, “From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Tennessee!” She emphasized the goal of making Tennessee a leader in conservative values.
Ogles’ defeat highlighted a setback for Trump. Supported by the conservative House Freedom Caucus and endorsed by Trump, Ogles faced stiff competition despite Trump’s virtual endorsement rally. Hatcher, backed by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, achieved an upset victory. A significant outside effort from the Invest in Tomorrow Coalition, a clean-energy super PAC, opposed Ogles with a large financial push. This PAC, funded by California crypto billionaire Chris Larsen, spent extensively against Ogles.
Ogles alleged the group targeted him for opposing Biden-era clean-energy subsidies. The redrawn 5th District, now more Republican, presented Ogles with a different Republican electorate than before.
Other districts saw transformations too. Republicans reshaped the state’s congressional map, modifying the Democratic-controlled 9th District to favor Republicans. This shift led longtime Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen to step down, transforming the Memphis-area district from Democrat to Republican stronghold.
Thursday’s primaries foreshadow a national-level contest for this seat. Taylor, holding Trump’s endorsement, faces off against Pearson, supported by the progressive “Squad” in Congress, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Meanwhile, Blackburn’s victory over Rep. John Rose in the gubernatorial primary leaves her on track to potentially become governor. Her election would require relinquishing her Senate seat, causing a vacancy and political maneuvering for her replacement.
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