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Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee threw his support behind Charlie Hatcher, a former state agriculture commissioner mounting a primary challenge against U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, who carries President Donald Trump’s backing in the Republican House race. Lee released a video endorsement Tuesday highlighting his decades-long relationship with Hatcher and praising his conservative credentials ahead of the August 6 primary election.
“Charlie Hatcher and I have been friends for 25 years,” Lee said in the endorsement video, emphasizing that Hatcher “served as my commissioner of agriculture for seven years.” The governor further vouched for Hatcher’s alignment with Trump, asserting that the candidate “has stood with President Trump since day one.”
Lee’s endorsement came on the eve of voting, after early balloting in the contest had already concluded. Hatcher responded by expressing gratitude for Lee’s support, noting his respect for the governor’s leadership and faith while reflecting on his tenure overseeing the state’s agricultural sector and rural communities.
Ogles, who has held his House seat since early 2023, earned Trump’s endorsement last year with the former president calling him “a Conservative Warrior.” The Republican primary represents a significant intraparty contest in Tennessee’s congressional delegation.
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