Tennessee Governor Makes Surprise Move Days Before Primary Election

Clear Facts

• Tennessee Governor Bill Lee endorsed Charlie Hatcher, challenging incumbent Rep. Andy Ogles in the Republican primary
• The endorsement came Tuesday, just days before the August 6th primary and after early voting had ended
• Rep. Ogles received President Trump’s endorsement last year, with Trump calling him a ‘Conservative Warrior’

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee endorsed former state Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, the candidate running against President Donald Trump-backed U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles in a Republican U.S. House primary.

“Charlie Hatcher and I have been friends for 25 years. For seven years, he served as my commissioner of agriculture. I know Charlie. I know his conservative values and how much he loves our country.”

Lee asserted that Hatcher “has stood with President Trump since day one.”

The governor’s last-minute endorsement on Tuesday came just ahead of the August 6th primary, but after early voting in the contest had already ended.

“Join me in voting for Charlie Hatcher this Thursday, August 6th.”

In a Facebook post featuring the governor’s video, Hatcher expressed gratitude for the endorsement.

“I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of my longtime friend, Governor Bill Lee. Bill and I have known each other for decades, and I have tremendous respect for his faith, his leadership, and his commitment to serving the people of Tennessee.”

“I especially appreciate the faith he placed in me when he appointed me to serve as Tennessee’s Commissioner of Agriculture. It was an honor to serve in his administration and work on behalf of Tennessee’s farmers, families, and rural communities.”

Ogles has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since early 2023. Trump endorsed him for re-election last year, calling him “a Conservative Warrior.”

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