TRUMP-BACKED TENNESSEE CONGRESSMAN LOSES PRIMARY TO FARMER

Andy Ogles, a two-term US congressman from Tennessee known for anti-Muslim remarks, lost his Republican primary race on Thursday despite endorsement from President Donald Trump. Charlie Hatcher, a dairy farmer and former state agricultural commissioner, defeated Ogles with nearly 90 per cent of votes counted, holding a 6.6-point lead. Hatcher campaigned on a "hire a farmer" platform, describing himself as pro-gun, pro-life and pro-Trump. Trump had given Ogles his "complete and total endorsement" earlier on Thursday. The result represents an uncommon instance in which Trump's backing failed to secure victory in a Republican race.

Ogles, first elected in 2022, was running in a redrawn district after Republicans redrew electoral maps in Tennessee. The redrawing became possible following a US Supreme Court ruling that undermined the Voting Rights Act. Hatcher outspent Ogles through funding from outside groups backing his platform, which focused on renewable energy production. Ogles, a staunch Israel supporter and member of the House Freedom Caucus, had proposed legislation banning immigration from certain Muslim-majority countries. He wrote on social media in March that "Muslims don't belong in American society. Pluralism is a lie." He also called for deportation of naturalised Muslim Americans and made disparaging remarks about New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Hatcher will face Chaz Molder, the Democratic mayor of Columbia, in the November general election. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee endorsed Hatcher late in the campaign. The district favours Republicans, though Democrats said they are attempting to capitalise on discontent over the economy and the war on Iran to win seats across the country.